June 24, Pozirk. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has warned that Belarus is showing no willingness to “de-escalate” and urged the international community to “stay vigilant” in light of the “mobilization exercises” currently underway in Belarus’ western Hrodna region.
Between June 20 to July 2, the Ašmiany district military enlistment office is notifying approximately 2,000 conscripts and setting up preliminary assembly points, Sybiha says in a post on X.
“While officially categorized as routine data verification, these actions serve as a tactic of intimidation toward neighboring states,” he says. “The Belarusian leadership shows no intent to de-escalate. Instead, Minsk is increasing its military presence near the borders of Ukraine and NATO countries. This strategy aligns with Kremlin interests, using political blackmail that directly contradicts the Belarusian leadership’s public statements regarding peace.”
Sybiha says that Ukraine continues to closely monitor Belarusian activities, reiterates its warnings to Minsk against “deepening involvement in Russian aggression,” and urges the international community to increase pressure on Alaksandar Łukašenka’s regime.
The Belarusian defense ministry said earlier this month that the Hrodna region’s military recruitment centers would call up reservists for a 10-day drill set for June 17 through June 26 to refresh their skills in handling arms and operating equipment.
The Belarusian army conducts drills on a regular basis amid tensions with the West and Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, in which Minsk supports Moscow.
