Tensions Rise at Ukraine-Belarus Border as Belarusian Troops and Equipment Deployed

Ukraine urges Belarus to withdraw significant military forces and equipment from their shared border, warning against 'tragic mistakes' under Moscow's influence. The deployment includes tanks, artillery, and air defence systems in the Gomel region. Despite tensions, Ukraine vows no unfriendly actions towards Belarusian people.

Ukraine on Sunday called on Belarus to retract substantial military forces and equipment deployed at their common border, terming the situation as precarious.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry issued a stern warning to Belarus against making 'tragic mistakes' while succumbing to pressure from Moscow. The ministry's statement implored the Belarusian armed forces to 'cease unfriendly actions' and withdraw their troops from the border's range.

The ministry reported the presence of Belarus special forces and ex-Wagner mercenary fighters among the troops at the border, equipped with tanks, artillery, air defence systems, and engineering tools stationed in the Gomel region, adjacent to Ukraine's northern boundary. It reiterated that Ukraine 'has never taken and is not going to take any unfriendly actions against the Belarusian people.' President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus noted on August 18 that Ukraine had positioned over 120,000 troops at its border with Belarus, allocating almost a third of its armed forces along the entire border. On Monday, Belarus announced the dispatch of aircraft, air defence units, and armoured vehicles to its border with Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)