Ukraine deploys 'unprecedented' forces to northern regions amid Belarus invasion threat
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and Defense Forces have begun reinforcing security measures across northern Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's warnings about threats from Belarus and Russia's Bryansk Oblast, Ukraine’s National Police and Security Service (SBU) reported.
The agencies said the measures are "unprecedented in terms of the number of forces and assets involved" and will serve as "an effective deterrent against any aggressive actions or operations by the enemy and its ally."
The operation involves SBU units, the National Police — including the special-purpose brigades Volya and Skelia and the consolidated police rifle regiment Khyzhak-3 — as well as the Armed Forces, National Guard and State Border Guard Service, all coordinated by the Anti-Terrorist Center under the SBU. Additional personnel and specialized armored vehicles will also be deployed to designated areas.
The security measures include "large-scale preemptive operations in the areas of counterintelligence and counter-sabotage protection" across the Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Volyn and Rivne oblasts.
Joint military and law enforcement teams will work to prevent enemy infiltration into border areas, block sabotage and terrorist activities, and counter subversive, intelligence-gathering and other war crimes operations.
Civilians are asked to "be understanding of any possible inconveniences," to comply with law enforcement instructions, carry identification documents at all times and observe curfew regulations.
Enhanced border patrols, additional checkpoints and document checks for citizens and vehicles will be introduced throughout the operation's area.
Threats from the north
On May 15, President Zelenskyy said Russia had held additional discussions with Belarusian self-proclaimed President Alexander Lukashenko about "new aggressive operations."
According to Ukrainian officials, Russia is weighing operational plans in directions both south and north of Belarus — targeting either the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis in Ukraine or a NATO member state.
Zelenskyy later added that Moscow is considering attack scenarios against the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis launched from Belarus and Russia's Bryansk Oblast.
On May 18, Belarus's Defense Ministry announced joint military exercises with Russian forces that would reportedly include drills on the battlefield use of nuclear weapons.
Minsk said the exercises were aimed at improving the combat readiness of Belarusian military personnel, testing equipment and weapons, and practicing the operational deployment of nuclear arms.
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