Russia has been increasing pressure on Belarus over the past few months to broaden military use of its territory in the war against Ukraine. According to The Wall Street Journal, Moscow wants additional drone launch sites, expanded military infrastructure, and more Russian forces in Belarus, with the aim of forcing Ukraine to divert troops and resources from the eastern front to defend its northern border.
Russia already uses Belarusian territory for several military purposes, including infrastructure that supports attacks on Ukraine. Russian troops are stationed in the country, and tactical nuclear weapons are also deployed there. The report says the Kremlin is also applying political and economic pressure on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to make him play a more active role in the war effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently warned that if Belarus continues to allow the use of facilities involved in Russian strikes, Ukraine will act against them directly. He said Kyiv is aware of several stations and pieces of infrastructure inside Belarus that assist Russian military activity.
Western and Ukrainian intelligence officials do not currently see signs of an imminent Russian ground assault from Belarusian territory. Even so, they warn that greater Belarusian involvement could open a new front in the war, or at least force Ukraine to keep larger numbers of troops along the northern border.
