Belarusian KGB chief comments on situation on border with Ukraine

Response measures and demonstration of the peaceful position by Belarus over the escalation of the situation on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border about two weeks ago had an effect, Chairman of the Belarusian State Security Committee (KGB) Ivan Tertel told the media, BelTA has learned.

"By decision of the head of state, the law enforcement agencies of Belarus, namely the Defense Ministry, the State Border Committee, the State Security Committee, took appropriate response measures. Our concerns have been communicated repeatedly through various channels. On the eve of our big day [Independence Day], during the period of solemn events, the head of state addressed the Ukrainian side. The measures taken were commensurate with the current situation. In general, the task set by the head of state to prevent escalation, to act adequately and to demonstrate our peace-loving position… This all had an effect. The Ukrainian side showed restraint. On 3-4 July our foreign intelligence confirmed the withdrawal of Ukrainian units from the areas bordering the Republic of Belarus. They left for the places of permanent deployment," Ivan Tertel said.

Ivan Tertel said that around 18 June, the Belarusian foreign intelligence revealed the concentration of a serious contingent of the Ukrainian armed forces in the areas bordering Belarus. "In several directions, we noted the arrival of elite units of the armed forces of the National Guard, the police from Kiev and some regional centers directly to the border areas of Belarus. The units, including special forces, were equipping additional positions, conducted additional mining of the area. We saw special forces groups approaching the line of the state border with Belarus. Active aerial reconnaissance and other activities were carried out," he said. “The Ukrainians brought almost the entire arsenal of heavy weapons, including the U.S. M777, HIMARS, Bradley.

According to the chairman of the KGB, the relevant contingents and weapons have gone to the places of permanent deployment or withdrawn deep into the territory of Ukraine. "In general, the situation in this regard has been defused. At the same time, we are not reducing our foreign intelligence activities. We are actively working," Ivan Tertel emphasized. “The head of state, having heard the reports, including by the State Security Committee, on the basis of foreign intelligence, decided to withdraw our forces from the border. We will proceed in the working mode here. It is an enhanced mode given what is happening on our southern border."

"We are actively working in all areas. Both intelligence and counterintelligence, as far as the KGB is concerned. We are monitoring the situation. We will fulfill the task set by the head of state. We will make sure nothing poses a threat to our national security," Ivan Tertel assured.