MINSK, 12 January (BelTA) - The Belarusian Defense Ministry has noted an unprecedented militarization along the country’s perimeter, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin told the media following Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko’s approval of decisions on border security in 2026, BelTA has learned.
“European countries are developing and militarizing their forces and assets. We are witnessing unprecedented militarization, along with continuing aggressive moves and hostile intentions toward our country,” the defense minister said.
Viktor Khrenin also confirmed instances of border violations in airspace.
“A force of over 2,200 military aircraft is now deployed across Europe. In Poland and the Baltics alone, the tactical aviation group numbers up to 130 planes, reaching as high as 140 last year. We are also observing American strategic bombers conducting training flights for missions aimed at striking our territory,” the defense minister said.
Viktor Khrenin also highlighted the presence of cruise missiles stationed at U.S. bases in Poland and Romania, which are ostensibly designated as missile defense bases. “But we understand perfectly well: with minor modifications, these installations could launch cruise missiles capable of striking deep into our territory,” he said.
“We are closely monitoring everything that is happening, all flights taking place along our state border. Those aircraft that are constantly, daily, conducting reconnaissance of our territory. We are developing adequate response measures for all possible provocations that may occur,” Viktor Khrenin emphasized. “Based on these threats, we assess the situation and develop corresponding solutions in order to preserve peaceful skies.”
The minister reported that a plan for ensuring the protection of the state border in airspace had been presented to the head of state. This report, he stated, was based on an analysis of trends in the military-political and strategic situation, especially in the short term. Based on this, “a calculation has been made of the forces and means required to accomplish the tasks of covering the state border in airspace,” Viktor Khrenin stressed.
Among the factors given special consideration is the situation to the south of the country in connection with the conflict in Ukraine. “We are observing, especially recently, an increase in the number of violations of the state border in airspace. Our response is being conducted in an appropriate manner,” the minister said.
The defense minister also stated that the ministry has established very good cooperation with the border service authorities in implementing the tasks of covering the state border in airspace.
“In general, we are prepared to carry out our tasks and respond to any risks, challenges, and threats that may arise against our country,” Viktor Khrenin said.
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