Ukraine establishes no-go zone along Belarus border

September 10, Pozirk. Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service has announced special border controls in a one-kilometer area along the shared border with Belarus and Russia.

The regulation is based on the Ukrainian government’s Directive No. 1049, adopted in mid-August. It bans free entry, stay, residence and movement, as well as activities unrelated to “repelling armed aggression against Ukraine, defense or protection of the state border,” the agency said.

Restrictions are necessary to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, prevent threats to citizens’ safety and minimize the risks posed by people staying in the border zone without authorization, it noted, adding that restrictions are temporary and will remain in effect only during the period of martial law.

Earlier this year, Minsk proposed reopening border crossings for berry pickers from Ukraine but Kyiv objected.

In February 2022, Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine. Authorities in Minsk denied the Belarusian army’s involvement in combat operations but allowed Russian troops to attack Ukraine from Belarus on multiple occasions and have persecuted Belarusians for antiwar positions.

Politics Security

Politics, Security

Minsk, Moscow discuss “political-diplomatic” settlement for Ukraine

September 9, Pozirk. Belarusian and Russian diplomats met in Minsk on September 9 to discuss “prospects of political-diplomatic settlement” of the Ukrainian crisis, the Belarusian foreign ministry reported. The two ministries have not named those who participated in the discussion. …

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