– 2024-08-12 11:20:09

Alexander‍ Lukashenko has ordered⁢ the ‌reinforcement ​of Belarusian ‌military groups in the tactical areas of Gomel and Mozyr, bordering Ukraine.

Belta news agency reports this,​ citing the Belarusian Defense⁢ Minister, Viktor Khrenin.

“Special operations forces, ground forces, missile forces, including Polonez rocket systems ​and Iskander complexes,‍ have been ordered to move to ⁤designated areas,” Khrenin stated.

These measures follow accusations from Ukraine of ⁢violating Belarusian airspace using drones. Lukashenko claimed that the incident occurred on the evening of August 9th, prompting the Belarusian Air Force and Air ‌Defense Forces to be placed on high alert. He warned that any such provocations would not be unanswered.

Lukashenko ⁤accused Ukraine of illegally‌ invading its airspace, ‍alleging that Belarusian air‌ defense systems⁤ had downed several Ukrainian drones, ‌with over a⁢ dozen such incidents ​recorded.

Following⁢ Lukashenko’s statement, Ukrainian officials responded. Andrei Kovalenko, head of ‍the Center‌ for Countering ⁣Disinformation, suggested the ​announcement was an‍ attempt to distract Ukrainian command attention and support Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kovalenko‌ also noted that Lukashenko must ​be aware of the potential consequences of such actions.

It’s worth ‌noting that Belarus‌ faced criticism from⁤ Russia shortly before the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk​ region, when Belarusian troops were withdrawn from the Russian border. This ‍withdrawal was interpreted as an incentive for the Ukrainian advance into Russia.

Earlier, “Kursor” reported that ⁤in response to the situation‌ in ‍Kursk, Russia may consider providing military equipment and technology to ‍the Houthis and other controlled groups.