Belarus-Ukraine border in Zhytomyr region now reinforced with concrete
The border with Belarus in Zhytomyr region has been reinforced with concrete (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The border between Ukraine and Belarus in the Zhytomyr region has been reinforced with concrete. In addition, defensive lines have been established in the border areas, according to Vitalii Bunechko, head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration.
Journalists recalled that in 2019, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, along with Belarusian officials, visited Zhytomyr. At that time, Zhytomyr also signed a partnership agreement with the Gomel region.
"In 2019, we signed a cooperation agreement with the Gomel region on the stage of the Kocherha Theater. But after the invasion, we naturally terminated it. As of today, the border with Belarus is completely reinforced with concrete," Bunechko said.
According to him, in recent years, the defense of the border in Zhytomyr region has been significantly strengthened, with military units permanently stationed there and continuing to expand defensive lines.
Bunechko stated that a real hellish trap has been prepared for the enemy on the border territories of Zthe hytomyr region.
“There are subtle obstacles, trenches, and fully equipped platoon and company strongpoints along the entire border, which serve as the backbone of our defense. Initially, we built these fortifications based on our vision, but later, when the military gave us specific tasks based on the calculations and plans of the General Staff, it turned out that everything had been organized well,” said the head of the regional administration.
He added that last year, over 2.5 billion hryvnias from various levels of budgets were allocated for the construction of fortifications, and 100% of the planned defensive structures were completed. According to him, there is a deeply layered defense system along the border.
Is there a threat from Belarus
The head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration is confident that, at present, there is no recorded threat of an invasion from Belarus.
"As of the end of May, I can say that there is no direct threat of an invasion of the Zhytomyr region from the Belarusian side. The residents of our northern communities are currently safe," Bunechko said.
Belarus assists Russia in the war
At the beginning of the full-scale war, Belarus allowed Russian troops to enter Ukraine from its territory.
Russian forces crossed the border into the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone in Kyiv region and occupied the nuclear power plant. Ukrainian Defense Forces liberated northern Ukraine in the spring of 2022.
Russian troops are still stationed in Belarus. Activist Anton Motolko told RBC-Ukraine that, as of early 2025, up to 2,500 Russian soldiers remain in Belarus, including instructors from the Wagner Group.
