Russia lacks enough forces in Belarus for new full-scale invasion, Ukraine says
Photo: Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (mediacenter.org.ua)
Russia does not have enough forces in Belarus to carry out a new full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, provocations cannot be ruled out, as was the case with footage of Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad, said Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
"Even though Russian forces in Belarus are currently insufficient to launch another full-scale invasion of Ukraine, provocations and information operations cannot be excluded. For example, this was seen with the Iskanders and the footage Russia circulated," Demchenko said.
He explained that Russia released the footage to demonstrate its strength and influence public opinion in European countries.
Ukraine's task is to assess all developments to respond promptly to any potential enemy actions.
"Our task is to monitor everything happening in Belarus so that we can react in time to any actions that might be directed against our state," the spokesperson said.
Background
From August 12 to 16, Russia and Belarus are conducting military exercises called Zapad-2025. Yesterday, Belarus said that during the joint exercises with Russia, it plans to practice deploying nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik system.
Additionally, footage circulating on social media yesterday suggested that Russia may have relocated the Iskander tactical missile system to Kaliningrad. Based on its position, the system could pose a threat to six NATO countries.
For more details on the events, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
