Ukraine to send 8,500 service members to border with Belarus

An additional 8,500 service members of the State Border Guard Service, the National Guard and police officers will be protecting Ukraine's border with Belarus, Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky has said.

He stated this during a working trip to Volyn region on Thursday, November 11, the Interior Ministry's press service reported.

"We are strengthening our border units with the National Police and the National Guard. In addition, about 8,500 service members and police officers will be additionally involved. This powerful group will consist of 3,000 service members of the State Border Guard Service, 3,500 service members of the National Guard, and 2,000 National Police officers. The Interior Ministry's aircraft will also be on duty, including 15 helicopters that will provide mobility and, if need be, will transfer our forces to the border," Monastyrsky said.

According to him, such actions will deter illegal migrants, but the only comprehensive solution is to build "a reliable modern intellectual border."

"Ukraine must build an 'intellectual border' with Russia and Belarus as soon as possible. UAH 17 billion will be needed to finance this project. These funds will be allocated from the budget," Monastyrsky said.

Chairman of the State Border Guard Service Serhiy Deineko, in turn, said that currently there is no threat to Ukraine from the border with Belarus, the situation is stable and under control.

"However, our service, together with the National Police and the National Guard, is working out all possible scenarios in order to protect the Ukrainian border from a possible breakthrough attempt artificially organized by crowds of migrants," Deineko said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on November 10 that Ukraine will strengthen security on its border with Belarus due to migration challenges.

Photo credit: Ukrainian Interior Ministry