Belarus prepares for CSTO military drills: there might be provocations at Ukrainian border

Lieutenant General Serhiy Nayev, the Commander of the United Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, discussed this matter with the Military Media Center.

"We have complete control over the situation at the border with Belarus. We don't expect major changes. Currently, the Russian ground forces have been completely withdrawn from Belarus and are in reserve as part of the joint Russian troops, with some units conducting an offensive in the Kupyansk-Lyman direction," Nayev stated.

It's noted that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is planning to hold joint exercises named "Eshelon," "Poisk," and "Vzaimodeystvie" in Belarus in September. These exercises could serve as a justification for the buildup of military forces.

"Since Russia hasn't achieved its strategic objectives yet, there's a chance they might find new reasons to resume active actions from the northern direction. This raises the possibility of provocations and sabotage at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border," emphasized Nayev.

However, there's no current evidence of the formation of striking groups in the north. The armed forces of Belarus are primarily prepared for deterrence and defense.

"Still, we can't rule out the risk of sabotage and reconnaissance activities from Belarusian territory. We're taking steps to enhance our counter-sabotage and defense capabilities," he added.

• On August 18, the first contingent from Russia arrived in Belarus for the drills of the CSTO, also including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.