{"id":20000,"date":"2026-05-18T17:37:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:37:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukrmedia.news\/?p=20000"},"modified":"2026-05-18T17:37:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:37:45","slug":"bilorus-zakryla-lisy-19-prykordonnykh-raioniv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukrmedia.news\/en\/politics\/bilorus-zakryla-lisy-19-prykordonnykh-raioniv\/","title":{"rendered":"Belarus closes forests near the border: what Lukashenko is up to"},"content":{"rendered":"

Belarus has closed access to forests in 19 border areas near Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania. According to experts, such actions could be used to covertly move troops or put pressure on neighbouring states. Several possible scenarios are being considered.<\/p>\n

Restrictions on access to forests in Belarus<\/h2>\n

Belarus has imposed restrictions on visiting forests in 19 districts adjacent to the borders with Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania. This was reported by Ukrainian edition<\/a> citing official sources. Such measures have raised concerns about possible military purposes and the potential impact on security in the region.<\/p>\n

The decision affects the areas immediately adjacent to Ukraine's northern and western borders, as well as the adjacent areas with Poland and Lithuania. The restrictions may affect the local population, as well as cross-border cooperation in the areas of security and environment.<\/p>\n

Potential military scenarios<\/h2>\n

Former Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Viktor Yahun<\/strong> believes that restrictions on access to forests can be used to covertly move military units. He identifies several possible scenarios for the use of this step by Belarus.<\/p>\n

The first scenario concerns the Volyn direction, where a threat could be created in the areas of Kovel and Lutsk. This would force Ukraine to keep additional reserves on its northern border, which could weaken other parts of the frontline.<\/p>\n

The importance of infrastructure and the Suwalki corridor<\/h2>\n

The second scenario is related to the Sarny-Rivne-Varash region, where important railway infrastructure and the Rivne NPP are located. Control over these facilities is of strategic importance for Ukraine and its energy security.<\/p>\n

The third scenario concerns the Suwalki corridor, a narrow section between Belarus and the Kaliningrad region of Russia. This area is traditionally seen as potentially vulnerable to the security of NATO and the EU.<\/p>\n

Psychological pressure and military demonstration<\/h2>\n

The fourth scenario involves the use of restrictions to exert psychological and military pressure without direct offensive. Thus, Belarusian side<\/a> could divert Ukraine's attention and resources, forcing it to maintain high alert on its northern borders.<\/p>\n

Such actions may be part of a broader strategy to destabilise the region and demonstrate force amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. At the same time, this creates additional challenges for the border services and defence forces of both Ukraine and neighbouring NATO member states.<\/p>\n

Why it matters<\/h2>\n

Restricting access to forests in the border areas of Belarus may have both military and political implications. Such a step could complicate the monitoring of the movement of troops and equipment, as well as create additional threats to the security of Ukraine and its partners.<\/p>\n

Given the strategic location of Volyn and Rivne regions and the Suwalki corridor, such actions could become an element of hybrid warfare. They are aimed at weakening Ukraine's defence capabilities by diverting resources.<\/p>\n

It is important for Ukraine and neighbouring countries to closely monitor the situation and be prepared to respond quickly to possible risks. Such developments could affect the security situation in the entire CEE region.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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