International

Volodimir Zelenski visited the shared border with Belarus and Poland

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski on Wednesday inspected the country's northwestern border shared with Belarus and Poland and reviewed ongoing defence preparations, Hotnews.ro reports.

"In order to repel a possible enemy invasion from the territory of Belarus, engineering barriers are being built. From a vantage point of an observation post, it was demonstrated how remote video surveillance systems are used to monitor the border line 24 hours a day," says a press release issued by Zelensky's office.

Zelenski, who the day before had been in the east on the frontline in Adviivka, took the opportunity to praise the role of the State Border Service in defending both the border and the town of Bahmut. "I know how strong you stood there, holding out in Bahmut. I would like to thank you and your brothers in arms," he said.

Tensions have risen on the 1,000-kilometre border between Ukraine and Belarus, a country that has played a key role in supporting Russia's invasion. Kiev has closed all border crossings with Belarus for fear that Belarus could be used for further Russian aggression.

Zelenski said after discussing border protection measures at a meeting in January that Ukraine must "be prepared" on the border with Belarus, even though Kiev has seen "nothing strong" there beyond statements.

Zelensky has travelled extensively in recent weeks, criss-crossing the country, meeting with the military, whom he has medalled and praised, and encouraging the population as Ukraine prepares for a counteroffensive in a bid to reclaim territory occupied by Russia.

Ionela Golban

Ionela Golban

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