Ukraine will strengthen its defence with new unmanned systems at the border with Belarus

Ukraine has announced plans to strengthen its defense along the border with Belarus by deploying additional units equipped with unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This decision was made following reports indicating increased Russian military activity near the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, including the establishment of new drone launch sites within Russia's Bryansk, Oryol, and Smolensk regions. These locations are reportedly situated just tens of kilometers away from the Belarus-Ukraine border, raising concerns about potential cross-border threats.

The announcement came from Major General Oleksandr Syrsky, Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who emphasized the need to bolster defenses on Ukraine’s northern front. According to Syrsky, new UAS units will be formed and equipped with necessary armaments, technology, and other resources to carry out assigned tasks effectively. Additionally, existing units operating in this region will continue to be reinforced with more capabilities. The move aims to enhance reconnaissance, target engagement, and protection of designated areas under the responsibility of these units.

In addition to strengthening UAS capabilities, Syrsky also mentioned discussions regarding the restoration of combat readiness of military units after completing their missions, as well as their re-equipment with weapons and technical equipment. There were also talks about developing the sergeant corps and expanding the composition of territorial defense brigades to include unmanned components. This expansion is expected to significantly improve the operational effectiveness of these units in conducting reconnaissance, engaging enemies, and protecting specific areas of responsibility.

Earlier this month, Belarusian journalists published information suggesting that Russia had constructed five new sites for launching drones known as "Shahed" near Belarus. Some of these sites are located just a few dozen kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Satellite images indicate that these new drone launch points are situated in the Bryansk, Oryol, and Smolensk regions of Russia. This development has raised alarms among Ukrainian officials, prompting them to take proactive measures to counter potential threats.

The situation has been further complicated by recent statements from both sides. A commander from the Ukrainian military, referred to as "Madjar," commented on the threat posed by Belarus, stating that Ukrainian forces have already identified 500 targets within Belarusian territory. He also urged President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus not to provoke conflict. In response, Lukashenko warned of retaliatory strikes against a "very serious" target in Ukraine, though he later expressed regret over his harsh words and stated that he does not expect military actions from Belarus.

President Volodymyr Zelensky previously highlighted that Russia continues to attempt to involve Belarus in the war, possibly aiming to conduct operations against one of the NATO countries. This underscores the growing concern over the role Belarus might play in the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, experts have pointed out that Belarus plays a significant role in supporting Russia's military efforts. Anatoly Khrapchinsky, head of a defense manufacturing company, noted that Belarus has established a production base for microchips, which Russia can now utilize for its military purposes. Since 2014, the Lukashenko regime has actively acquired machines for producing microchips worldwide. Currently, there are 14 enterprises in Belarus engaged in microprocessor production, a resource that Moscow uses for its military objectives.

Khrapchinsky explained that Belarus could potentially retain the ability to imprint data from foreign manufacturers onto its products. For instance, a microchip produced in Belarus could be labeled as having been manufactured in Taiwan. Precedents of such practices have already been documented, with some modules used in guided bombs initially mistaken for South Korean-made components but later found to be counterfeit.

Furthermore, according to the State Border Service of Ukraine, Russians increasingly use Belarus as a transit point for drone attacks on Ukraine. Most of the drones launched by Russia for mass attacks on Ukraine enter Belarusian territory before proceeding through Kyiv and Zhitomir regions to strike Ukraine. Recent weeks have seen an increase in this tactic, highlighting the strategic importance of Belarus in facilitating Russian military operations against Ukraine.

As tensions continue to escalate, Ukraine remains focused on enhancing its defensive capabilities while monitoring developments on the northern front. With new UAS units being deployed and existing ones receiving reinforcements, Ukraine aims to ensure robust protection against potential threats emanating from Belarus and Russia. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, aware of the complex dynamics involving all parties involved in the ongoing conflict.