GUR: Russia increases military presence in Belarus
Russia is increasing its military presence in Belarus. This was announced on Sunday afternoon, June 26, by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. – The leadership of institutions and organizations of the Gomel region was warned about the likelihood of the return of units of the RF Armed Forces. At the same time, the Russians are planning to increase the number of operational-tactical aviation on the territory of Belarus, the ministry’s Telegram channel says. The official reason for the growth of the military presence is the conduct of joint air patrols as part of a joint combat training center for training aviation units and air defense units. – For this, a flight of 10 aircraft to the Baranovichi airfield is planned. Also, since June 22, mobilization exercises have been continuing in the Gomel region. Combat training classes with reservists announced earlier in the Belarusian media are not being held. The reservists themselves are used for housekeeping, military intelligence concluded. On June 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian Federation would transfer the Iskander M complexes to Belarus. They can use both ballistic and cruise missiles, both in conventional and nuclear versions. Also, the Russian leader announced his readiness to retrofit Su-25 aircraft, which are in service with Belarus, at Russian aircraft factories. On June 23, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Aleksey Gromov said that Belarus could provide Russia with weapons for fighting on two directions – Donetsk or Kherson. On June 21, the speaker of the Ministry of Defense Alexander Motuzyanik said that up to seven Belarusian battalions numbering up to four thousand people are on the border between Belarus and Ukraine.
