Ukrainian politician suggests new unit to defend areas near Belarus border

November 2, BPN. A Ukrainian MP, Lt Gen Mykhailo Zabrodskyi, has suggested that a dedicated military unit be organized to operate in the woody areas near the Belarusian border.

“The most expedient way to solve the issue of the Volyn and Polissya approach routes is to create a separate formation to operate in this region’s woody marsh,” he said in an op-ed published by Ukrinform on November 1.

“In addition to a standard set of three-four combined arms brigades, the formation should include a ‘reinforced’ artillery unit. Reliable fire support to protect these several approach routes, which can be used to advance into the depth of Ukraine, will give us an opportunity to defend a wide front,” he said.

He added that the enemy’s ground operations from Belarus were unlikely but not impossible: therefore, the prospect of another long front remains a major challenge for Ukraine.

On October 31, Alaksandr Łukašenka signed an edict approving a draft deal with Russia to launch joint combat training centers in Belarus. Russia has been transferring troops to Belarus since October 15 to form a joint regional group of forces.

The decision to deploy the group was made in connection with “the aggravation on the western borders of the Union State,” Łukašenka said.