Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko walk during a meeting in Sochi, Russia, May 23, 2022. Satellite / Ramil Sitdikov / Kremlin via REUTERS
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May 26 (Reuters) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday ordered the creation of a new military command for the southern part of the country bordering Ukraine.
“A new front has opened up and we cannot ignore it,” Lukashenko, dressed in military uniform, told a televised meeting with defense officials.
He said the new command was proposed last year, but should be established immediately.
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“Even before we create it, we are obliged today – quickly, on the move, to work out the defense of our southern borders,” Lukashenko said.
Belarus is a close ally of Russia and allowed it to begin the northern part of its invasion of Ukraine on February 24 from the territory of Belarus.
Any build-up of Belarusian forces near the border will further stretch Ukraine’s army as it defends itself against Russian attacks focused on the Donbass region hundreds of miles (km) to the east.
Belarus said earlier this month that it plans to deploy special operations troops in three areas near the border with Ukraine, while Lukashenko spoke about the role of Russian missiles in strengthening the country’s defense. Read more
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Report by Mark Trevelyan; Edited by Catherine Evans
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