Belarus is a key ally of the invading force and has allowed thousands of Russian troops to be stationed there – but its own fighting force could soon be called into action
Russia and Belarusian troops often conduct war drills together (
Image: TASS via Getty Images)
Belarus troops could invade Ukraine to support Russia’s forces as soon as today, it has been reported.
The ex-Soviet country is a key ally of the Kremlin and has allowed thousands of Russian troops to be stationed there for weeks.
But turning their own troops against Ukraine would be a sign the conflict is escalating, even as peace talks are held.
One of the thrusts of Putin’s invasion even struck from Belarus, heading straight for capital Kyiv through Chernobyl.
But following a referendum Belarus is set to amend its constitution to allow Russia to station their nuclear weapons in the country.
Follow all the updates on our live blog
Belarus paratroopers could join the war on the side of Russia as soon as today
(
Image:
Natalia Fedosenko/TASS)
And Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko may send in the army to help Russia.
The Kyiv Independent reports that Belarusian paratroopers could be deployed to Ukraine as early as this morning.
The news outlet says it has multiple sources saying the decision has been made and that as soon as 28 February at 5am local time, the first Il-76 transport aircraft is very likely to take off carrying Belarusian paratroopers.
Alexander Lukashenko is a dictator in the Putin mould
(
Image:
Peter Kovalev/TASS)
The Washington Post, citing an unnamed US official, said that Belarus was preparing for a troop deployment that could begin as soon as today.
Belarus’s armed forces include nearly 45,000 military personnel, according to local media, and it is thought that those deployed to Ukraine could be sent to the Kyiv or the Zhytomyr areas.
Belarusian opposition media has launched an anti-war campaign, including a video from former high-ranking Belarusian airborne commander Valeriy Sakhashik.
The Belarus referendum is not seen as legitimate by Western powers.
Putin was thought to be confident Volodymyr Zelensky would surrender quickly
Vladimir Putin had hoped to seize Kyiv and conquer Ukraine within 48 hours, according to intelligence briefed to The Times.
But that now lies in tatters as Kremlin troops face mounting resistance from the Ukrainian army and residents.
Kyiv is yet to be encircled by the invading army and Russia has failed to establish air superiority, despite making inroads in certain sections of the country.
A Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighter examines a destroyed Russian Armoured personnel carrier in Kharkiv
(
Image:
SERGEY BOBOK/AFP via Getty Images)
Around 22,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained by the British Army since 2015, which could explain their ability to hold their own against Russia – especially if Russian troops are “very green”.
Kevin Price, a former major who served 20 years with the British military, told The Times that the soldiers advancing were inexperienced in comparison to Ukrainian forces who have massively improved in recent years.
He added that the current military strategy does not make much sense, asking: “Is Putin just throwing in a whole bunch of youngsters to the fight to get the sense of what Ukrainian forces are like, and holding back the more battle-ready troops?”.
Read More
Read More
