In the fall, Russia may use Belarus for a new aggression — State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

In the fall of 2025, the active phase of joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises will begin on Belarusian territory. Ukrainian border guards are warning that this could have implications for Ukraine's security.

Spokesman of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Andriy Demchenko, said this during a broadcast on Hromadske Radio.

According to him, there are currently no strike groups forming on the Belarusian side, but the area from Volyn to Chernihiv remains a potentially dangerous direction. The risks may increase significantly in September, during the joint exercises of Russia and Belarus.

"The threat will especially begin to grow in the context of the announced joint exercises involving units of the Russian and Belarusian armies," the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine spokesman said.

The joint military exercises referred to are "Zapad-2025," which will begin in the summer. The active phase is scheduled for September, and that is when the threat to Ukraine from the northern direction is expected to intensify.

"Right now, we observe mostly planning activities related to these exercises. Our task is to soberly analyze the situation and be ready for any risks — be it exercises or other actions Russia might undertake using Belarusian territory. That’s why we are strengthening our presence both along the border and in the border areas to respond to the challenges that may arise from Belarusian territory," he added.