Tensions Persist on the Ukraine-Belarus Border

More than four years since Russia launched an assault on Kyiv from Belarus, Ukraine continues to strengthen the border shared with Moscow’s ally. Once a bustling crossing between two neighboring nations, this area is now a silent land strip, mined and closed to civilian traffic.

The roads along the 1,084-kilometer (673-mile) border feature anti-drone nets covering large sections. The surrounding landscape is filled with rows of barbed wire and concrete anti-tank barriers known as “dragon’s teeth.”

Earlier this month, The Associated Press visited parts of the northern Ukraine border following heightened tensions. Kyiv demanded Belarus dismantle communication relay stations installed by the Kremlin, which were extending the range of drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Belarus complied according to Ukraine, calming rhetoric between the governments. Although Ukrainian officials see no indications of Russian troop buildup in Belarus, they remain determined to fortify the frontier against possible threats.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has repeatedly stated that Belarusian troops will not join the war unless his country is attacked. Despite this, locals near the border remain uneasy about the potential for Belarus to become more involved in the conflict.

For many residents, the extensive defenses serve as a reminder of the early war days and offer reassurance that Kyiv is preparing for any future scenario. Ukrainian border guards patrol the area around the clock using armored vehicles, drones, and other surveillance systems. Officials state that enhancing defenses will remain a long-term priority, given Belarus’s position as the Kremlin’s closest military ally.

This report was contributed by The Associated Press journalist Volodymyr Yurchuk in Kyiv, Ukraine.