Threat of attack from Belarus is growing
IRYNA BALACHUK – THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 15:08
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine believes that the threat of a new offensive from the territory of Belarus is growing, but the direction of the offensive might be different this time, targeting the western part of the Belarusian-Ukrainian border.
Source: General Oleksii Hromov, Deputy Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during a press briefing on 20 October
Quote from Hromov: "There is a growing threat of a renewed offensive by the Russian Armed Forces on the northern front. The direction of the offensive could be different this time, [with Russian forces targeting] the western part of the Belarusian-Ukrainian border in order to interrupt main weapons and equipment supply routes used to deliver aid from Ukraine’s western partners."
Details: Hromov said that Russia is continuing to deploy its aircraft and other military units in Belarus.
Moreover, Belarus is continuing to undertake covert mobilisation and to allow Russia to use its territory to launch its drones and ballistic missiles on Ukraine.
Hromov additionally explained that Russian MiG-31 aircraft have been deployed at Belarusian airfields; these aircraft might be armed with Kinzhal cruise missiles.
The representative of the General Staff said that Ukraine was responding to these developments by monitoring the situation and taking measures to protect its borders on the northern front.
Background:
- The Ministry of Defence of Belarus has reported the departure of Russian fighter aircraft, allegedly to "patrol" the borders of the Union State [an organisation aiming to deepen the relationship between Russia and Belarus through integration in economic and defence policy – ed.].
- Russia deployed MiG-31 interceptor fighter jets to Belarus, some of which can carry Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. They took off from Machulishchy air base on 20 October.
- Recent satellite photos show that the volume of Russian equipment and troops has increased at Zyabrovka airbase (Belarus) near the border with Ukraine.
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