When Russia gathered troops along the Ukrainian border in February, many ignored the war threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin (70). But Putin acted on threats. Already in the first hours of the invasion on February 24, the fall of Kiev, which is located almost 400 kilometers from the Russian border, became clear. However, Putin’s generals were soon forced to retreat — instead focusing on conquering the country from the east. This advance has also come to a halt. Is that why Putin is deploying a new front in Belarus?
With Belarus’ involvement in the war, Kiev is back in the Russians’ crosshairs, military strategists speculate. Ukrainian Brigadier General Oleksiy Gromov said in a news conference on Thursday: “The threat of Russian troops resuming the offensive on the northern front is increasing.” The northern front forms the border with Belarus.
Kiev is just 100 kilometers from the Belarusian border. And Belarus under dictator Alexander Lukashenko (68), Putin’s closest military and political ally. Belarus served as a staging area for Putin’s brutal invasion in February. This month, Putin and Lukashenko renewed their military pact. Since then, the Russians have built a troop presence in Belarus, within range of Kiev. Fears are growing that Putin, humiliated by adversity on the battlefield, plans to open a new northern front.
Kiev expects new offensive
According to Minsk, Moscow has already stationed 9,000 men in Belarus. Western allies say 10,000 Russian soldiers are already stationed in the country. Lukashenko announced Monday that he and Putin will form a new force with 70,000 Belarusian soldiers and up to 15,000 Russians. Moscow is sending about 170 battle tanks, 200 armored troopships, artillery and aircraft.
Brigadier-General Gromov, Ukraine’s deputy chief of staff, therefore fears a Russian offensive “west of the Belarusian border to cut key logistical arteries for the supply of arms and military equipment to Ukraine” from countries such as Romania. and Poland.
Pentagon: No Evidence of Possible Military Action on Northern Front
According to Vadym Skibitsky, deputy chief of Ukrainian military intelligence, several thousand newly mobilized Russian soldiers are now also stationed in Belarus on training grounds. But they were not accompanied by the tanks, artillery and other logistical support they would need to invade Ukraine and face Ukraine’s battle-hardened forces.
Pentagon spokesman Patrick S. Ryder also downplayed the danger of another Russian invasion from Belarus. “We currently have no indication of any imminent military action on this front,” Ryder said at a briefing on Thursday.
Evaluations before the Russian invasion in February sounded similar. Putin took the time he needed. (keep)