In response to a possible exile of the Russian mercenary group Wagner in Belarus, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is having the border with the neighboring country reinforced. The background to the decision could also be satellite images of newly built camps near Minsk.
Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Salushnyi and General Sergei Nayev in charge have been ordered to strengthen security measures on Ukraine’s northern border to “ensure peace,” Zelenskyy told the online Telegram service on Friday. He referred to information from his secret services and border guards about the situation in Belarus.
The Russian independent online medium “Verstka” had reported that a 24,000 square meter base for 8,000 Wagner Group fighters was being built in Belarus. Poland had also warned of the settlement of mercenaries in Belarus and then announced that it wanted to strengthen its border security.
Shots show huge camps
The first Prigozhin mercenaries may soon be able to settle in a new camp. Photos taken on June 30 by the company Planet Labs show a camp of about 300 tents reportedly set up on a hill east of the Belarusian capital of Minsk in the Mogilev region. This could hold up to 15,000 soldiers.
“Its size surpasses other well-known field camps in Belarus, in which mobilized Russian soldiers are being prepared for war with Ukraine,” writes Ukrainian “Radio Svoboda”, but adds: “Its purpose is still unclear.” The Ukrainian «Kyiv Post» and the Russian independent online medium «Verstka» had previously reported on the preparations in the town of Tsel in the Asipovichi district.
The site was empty before the uprising
Formerly empty sports fields at a military facility have been redesigned and outfitted with at least six rows of temporary structures that look like large tents, the New York Times also reports. The size, color and layout of the structures were similar to other military tent camps built in Russia and Belarus since early 2022. Aerial photographs would have shown that shortly before the Wagner Rebellion, the area in Tsel would have been largely empty. However, on June 27, the first constructions were recorded by the satellites.
After his fighters’ brief uprising last weekend, Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, agreed to go into exile in Belarus. His mercenaries were given the choice of joining the Russian armed forces or also going into exile in Belarus.
Lukashenko: “Put up tents please!”
Ukrainian military expert Oleg Zhdanov told Radio Svoboda that there are modern field tents of the Belarusian armed forces on the territory of the former military unit, each of which can accommodate “at least 50 people”.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stressed on June 27: “No camps are being built for the Wagner mercenary group in Belarus, but assistance will be provided with accommodation if necessary”. But he added: “We are not building camps yet. But if they want (they want separate areas, as I understand it), we will build them. Put up tents, please.”
US Defense Department spokesman Pat Ryder said Thursday that Wagner mercenaries are still active in Ukraine, according to US information. He also has no information whether the recordings from Belarus are an indication that Wagner troops want to settle there permanently.
It is still unclear whether and how many Wagner soldiers will accept Belarus’ offer. They have also been offered to become part of the regular Russian armed forces. Wagner forces operate not only in Ukraine, but also in Africa and Syria.
(t-online, when)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
