Belarus orders immediate troop withdrawal from Ukraine border.

On July 13, 2024, Belarus announced the immediate withdrawal of its troops stationed along the border with Ukraine. Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin communicated this decision, citing the absence of significant difficulties on the border with Ukraine. Khrenin stated that minor forces would remain to monitor the situation at the southern border while the main part of the troops returned to their permanent locations.
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As of July 2024, Belarus had deployed up to four battalion tactical groups (BTGs) near the Ukraine border, comprising an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 troops. (Picture source: Belarus MoD)

This action follows a directive from President Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting where he noted the absence of significant difficulties on the border with Ukraine. Lukashenko expressed his expectation that no future problems would arise. He also mentioned that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had withdrawn their forces from the border following efforts by Minsk, prompting the decision to move Belarusian troops back to their original stations.

President Lukashenko visited the region near the Ukrainian border to discuss military security in the southern direction. During this visit, the decision to reduce the military presence was made. Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin highlighted that the President's instructions were to withdraw the core troops, primarily composed of special operations forces, due to the reduced tension in the southern operational direction.

Major General Vadim Denisenko, commander of the special operations forces, reported no provocative actions from the Ukrainian side. He observed that Ukrainian groups were moving away from the contact line and stated that the withdrawal process would be carried out calmly and routinely. The special operations forces will remain on pre-prepared lines, ready to act if necessary, but their presence at the border will be significantly reduced.

The reduction in military presence and the subsequent withdrawal of troops indicate a change in the security situation at the Belarus-Ukraine border. Both Belarusian and Ukrainian forces appear to be de-escalating their positions, reflecting a mutual interest in maintaining stability in the region.

President Lukashenko visited the region near the Ukrainian border to discuss military security in the southern area and decided to reduce the military presence in this zone. (Picture source: Belarus MoD)

As of July 2024, Belarus had deployed up to four battalion tactical groups (BTGs) near the Ukraine border, comprising an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 troops. President Alexander Lukashenko noted the combat readiness of these forces amid regional tensions. This military presence is further supported by approximately 9,000 Russian troops stationed in Belarus, marking a significant buildup. Concurrently, Belarus is constructing defensive fortifications along its border with Ukraine. Despite claims of some troop withdrawals, Ukrainian officials remain skeptical and suspect potential disinformation, as NATO has observed this as the largest Russian military presence in Belarus in decades.

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia have deployed troops along the Belarus-Ukraine border. Initially, Belarus allowed Russian forces to use its territory as a staging ground, facilitating the invasion of Ukraine. This deployment included thousands of Russian soldiers and significant military hardware, such as tanks and fighter jets. In late 2022, Belarus and Russia announced a joint regional military group, including up to 9,000 Russian troops and substantial equipment, aimed at countering perceived threats from Ukraine and NATO.

Throughout 2023 and into 2024, Belarus maintained military exercises and a state of readiness near the Ukrainian border. However, recent reports indicate that Russia has rotated some of its troops out of Belarus, though certain contingents, including Wagner Group mercenaries, remain.

For Ukraine, these deployments have led to significant defensive measures. The initial invasion from Belarusian territory brought Russian forces close to Kyiv, prompting Ukraine to strengthen its northern defenses. Ukrainian forces have fortified positions and increased their military presence to deter any potential future offensives from the north. The ongoing military collaboration between Belarus and Russia requires Ukraine to allocate resources to its northern border, affecting its strategic focus on other conflict areas. The situation continues to pose a complex security challenge for Ukraine and the broader region.