Defense Minister denies reports of Belarus building fortifications on Ukrainian border

Viktor Khrenin called such reports information warfare against Belarus. "We've heard these claims, and we view them with a smile. The statements that we are preparing some defensive areas... We clearly understand this is done with one goal: to create tension in our society and in Ukrainian society, driving a wedge and turning us into bitter enemies. This has no basis in reality," he said. The minister recalled that earlier the head of state ordered the establishment of fortified areas along Belarus's borders: "This order has been carried out. Five fortified areas along the western and northern borders have been equipped, and their active improvement is ongoing. There are no plans, even in the long term, to create any fortified areas or defensive lines along the southern border."