Belarus Reinforces Border with Ukraine by Deploying Special Forces and Rocket Systems

In response to recent unconfirmed aerial incursions, Belarus is increasing its military presence along the Ukrainian border. Self-proclaimed President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered additional troops and advanced rocket systems to the area after several Ukrainian drones were reportedly intercepted over Belarus on August 9. Meanwhile, there was no independent verification of such drones being launched against Belarus.

Lukashenko labeled the drone activity as a “Ukrainian provocation” and instructed the Belarusian General Staff to strengthen border security. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced that military reinforcements, including special operations forces, ground troops, and missile systems, are being sent to the Gomel and Mozyr regions. This deployment will include Polonez rocket systems and Iskander missile complexes to counter potential threats.

Belarus claims the drones were reportedly detected over the Kastsyukovichy District in western Belarus, about 85 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Belarusian air defenses engaged the drones, with several being intercepted and the remaining targets reportedly passed to Russian forces for destruction over Yaroslavl. The Russian Defense Ministry later claimed six UAVs over Yaroslavl Oblast and 26 others over Kursk Oblast were destroyed.