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Belarus not worried about Ukraine’s border buildup — defense minister

According to Viktor Khrenin, provocative acts from the Ukrainian side, including airspace violation incidents, are regularly reported by Belarusian border guards

MINSK, February 22. /TASS/. Minsk is not alarmed over Ukraine’s efforts to fortify its border with Belarus, as in case Kiev tries to attack it will have to go through its own fortifications, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said.

"They are fortifying it (the border - TASS). They have mined all the roads, ruined bridges and destroyed railways. They have dug anti-tank ditches, built fences. Let them continue. Maybe we will feel safer - if they set up a force, they will have to get through their own fortifications. At least, we will see this and react to this," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel.

According to the minister, provocative acts from the Ukrainian side, including airspace violation incidents, are regularly reported by Belarusian border guards.

He noted that the Belarusian army is also involved in guarding the border. "Certain troops are deployed there and they are ready to go into action any minute," he said.

"There is another threat we must bear in mind: the so-called regiments <…> are being formed [out of opposition activists living abroad] with certain radical ideas - to infiltrate our territory <…> and seize some area. [Belarusian troops are deployed to the border with Ukraine] for them as well, so that they don’t get too comfortable and cannot move freely. We will meet them," Khrenin added.

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Ukraine crisis Belarus

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