Belarus Bolsters Border Defenses Amid Rising Tensions with Ukraine

Belarus has deployed aircraft, air defense forces, and troops to its border with Ukraine, escalating military readiness in the region. This move follows President Alexander Lukashenko's statements about deploying a significant portion of the country's armed forces. Ukraine denied any increase in Belarusian troops, labeling the rhetoric as aimed at appeasing Russia.

Belarus announced Monday that it had sent aircraft, air defense forces, and military troops to its border with Ukraine, escalating military readiness in the region. This deployment comes just one day after President Alexander Lukashenko revealed that nearly a third of the nation's armed forces had been mobilized to the southern borders.

Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense of Belarus, Maj. General Andrei Lukyanovich, confirmed to state broadcaster CTV that aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, and radio-technical troops were now stationed at the border. The move followed Ukraine's unexpected incursion into Russian territory, with Lukashenko accusing Kyiv of aggressive policies and sending over 120,000 troops to the Belarusian border.

Ukraine rebuffed these claims, stating that no additional Belarusian troops had been observed at the border, and characterized Lukashenko's remarks as rhetoric aimed at pleasing Russian President Vladimir Putin. As tensions rise, Belarus expects further military aircraft deliveries from Moscow and is enhancing its anti-drone systems, which Lukyanovich described as crucial in the modern warfare landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)