How Ukraine fortified its border area in Polissia
The military says, despite the deceptive calm from Belarus, Ukrainian forces remain vigilant, as the neighboring state continues to act as a Kremlin satellite and a potential staging ground for the enemy.
Recently, the country”s northern frontier has been turned into a true fortress, with kilometers of field fortifications, hundreds of revetments for military equipment, and fortified firing positions along the border.
A highly efficient system of minefields, trenches, and barriers is further reinforced by the difficult natural terrain of the Polissia region, represented by dense forests, swamps, and rivers.
Ukraine strengthens defenses along Belarus border (photo: Operational Command West)
Ukraine strengthens defenses along Belarus border (photo: Operational Command West)
Ukraine strengthens defenses along Belarus border (photo: Operational Command West)
Ukraine strengthens defenses along Belarus border (photo: Operational Command West)
Ukraine strengthens defenses along Belarus border (photo: Operational Command West)
Readiness to repel threats
Border guards serving within the Operational Command West securely hold their assigned section of the state border.
The troops remain in constant readiness to respond immediately to any hostile actions.
Activity and threats from Belarus: What we know
Russia has long been using the territory and infrastructure of the neighboring state in its war against Ukraine. In early May 2026, Ukrainian border guards recorded the development of military logistics infrastructure in Belarus that could be used for future coordination with Russia.
Also, Minsk decided to abandon plans for large-scale military exercises. Instead, self-proclaimed President Alexander Lukashenko announced a targeted mobilization in Belarus to prepare the army for possible participation in combat operations.
By mid-May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia was considering new operations against Ukraine from Belarusian territory and had intensified efforts to draw Minsk into further military actions.
According to the Ukrainian leader, Moscow held additional contacts with Lukashenko in an attempt to persuade him to take part in new aggressive steps.