Ukraine Alleges Belarus Troop Buildup Amid Rising Tensions

Ukraine has accused Belarus of massing troops and heavy weaponry near their border, warning of significant consequences if breached. This escalation, coupled with attacks in Belgorod and Donetsk, heightens tensions in the region.

Ukraine has accused Belarus of amassing troops and significant weaponry near its northern border, citing intelligence sources. According to a report by the Kyiv Independent on Saturday, Belarusian forces are gathering under the pretext of military exercises. The buildup includes Special Operation Forces, tanks, artillery, multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), air defense systems, and engineering equipment near the city of Gomel, which is approximately 30 kilometers from the Ukraine border.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry noted the presence of former Wagner PMC troops in the area. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko previously stated that a third of the nation's army was sent to the border due to a 'misunderstanding' with Ukraine. Additionally, Belarusian Air Defense Forces Commander, Maj. Gen. Andrey Lukyanovich, confirmed the deployment of extra air defense troops and aircraft to the border with Ukraine earlier this week.

Kyiv cautioned Minsk against making 'tragic mistakes' under Moscow's influence and demanded an immediate withdrawal of forces from the border. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry warned that any breach of its state border would trigger self-defense measures as per the UN Charter, making Belarusian military concentrations and facilities legitimate targets. They also highlighted the risk to Ukraine's national and global security from exercises near the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

Belarus, a close ally of Russia, hosts Russian troops and missiles but is not directly involved in the invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, five people were killed and 13 wounded during an overnight Ukrainian strike on Belgorod, as reported by Al Jazeera, citing Russian officials. Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated on Telegram that three minors were among the casualties in the Rakitnoye settlement. This strike follows Ukraine's surprise ground offensive in Russia's Kursk region two weeks ago.

Separately, in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, Governor Vadym Filashkin alleged that a Russian strike had hit a hotel in Kramatorsk, injuring two journalists and leaving a third missing. The wounded journalists are reported to be British, American, and Ukrainian nationals, with search operations ongoing, per Al Jazeera (ANI).

(With inputs from agencies.)