- Belarus warns Ukraine against further escalation
Following the alleged incursion of Ukrainian combat drones into Belarusian airspace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Minsk has warned of an escalation of the conflict. Such "criminal acts" could lead to a radical escalation of the situation, the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement carried by the state news agency Belta. They are also described as a "dangerous attempt to expand the current conflict zone in our region." Belarus (formerly Belarus) will exercise its right to self-defense and respond appropriately to any provocation or hostile actions.
Strongman Alexander Lukashenko had previously reported the alleged downing of several Ukrainian aerial targets. The air defense forces were put on high alert because around ten aerial objects from the Ukraine had entered Belarusian airspace in the east of the country, in the area of Kostyukovichy, Lukashenko said on Saturday about the incident the previous evening.
In light of the situation, Lukashenko ordered a reinforcement of Belarusian troops in the border region with Ukraine, the Minister of Defense Viktor Khrenin said in Minsk. The deployment of ballistic missiles "Iskander" and "Polonez" rocket launchers to the region was also ordered.
Belarus supports Russia in its war against Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war almost two and a half years ago, the country has made its territory available to Russian troops to invade the north of Ukraine.
In response to Belarus' exercise of its right to self-defense, Ukraine might need to reconsider its actions near the border. The AA systems deployed by Belarus in Minsk serve as a clear indication of their readiness to counter any potential threats from Ukraine.
