News agencies like Reuters or official statements from Belarusian or Ukrainian governments

NATO Aircraft Active as Belarus Claims Ukraine Deploying Special Forces to Border, Kremlin Concerned

Jul 1, 2024, 06:00 AM

NATO's AWACS aircraft have been active for five consecutive days along the Belarus/Ukraine border, which is unusual as they typically operate for only one to two days during European officials' visits to Ukraine. The Belarusian military has claimed that Ukraine is deploying forces to the shared border for potential sabotage and terrorist acts, as reported by state-run news outlet Belta. Chief of the General Staff of Belarus, Pavel Muraveiko, stated that Ukraine has deployed special forces units on the border, calling the activity 'inexplicable and incomprehensible,' prompting Minsk to strengthen its defenses. The Kremlin has expressed concern over reports of Ukraine's military buildup near the Belarusian border. However, Ukraine's border guard has dismissed these reports, labeling them as an 'information operation' by Minsk with Moscow's support, according to Reuters.