Belarus’ KGB Chief: demonstration of peaceful position produced result
The response measures and demonstration of Belarus' peaceful position in connection with the aggravation of the situation on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border has produced an effect – as stated by the Chairman of the State Security Committee, Ivan Tertel, commenting on the results of today’s meeting in the Brest Region with the Commander-in-Chief on ensuring the country's military security in the southern operational area
Mr. Tertel informed that Belarus’ law enforcement agencies (the Defence Ministry, the State Border Committee, and the State Security Committee) had taken appropriate response measures to an increased tension on the Ukrainian side, following the President’s decision. “Our concerns have been repeatedly conveyed through various channels,” he said. “On the eve of our holiday [Independence Day], during the solemn events, the Head of State addressed the Ukrainian side, among other things, with some concern and warning. We note that the measures taken corresponded to the developing situation. In general, the President’s task to prevent escalation, act adequately and demonstrate our peaceful position has produced a result.”
As noted by the KGB Chief, the Ukrainian side behaved in a retrained manner, and on July 3rd-4th, the Belarusian foreign intelligence service recorded the withdrawal of these units from the areas bordering the Republic of Belarus. According to Mr. Tertel, they left for places of permanent deployment.
At the same time, almost the entire arsenal of heavy weapons, including the famous M777, HIMARS, and Bradley, was redeployed closer to the border. By now, the relevant contingents and weapons have been relocated to places of permanent deployment or withdrawn deep into the territory of Ukraine.
Summing up, Mr. Tertel emphasised, “In general, the situation in this regard has been deescalated. At the same time, we are not reducing our activity in the field of foreign intelligence, we continue working. On the basis of a report, including by the State Security Committee, on the basis of the work of foreign intelligence, the Head of State has decided to withdraw our forces from the border areas, and the usual regime of work will continue here. Of course, it will be of an increased mode, taking into consideration the situation developing on our southern borders. We are actively working in all directions, and this refers to intelligence, counterintelligence, and KGB. We are monitoring the situation in an enhanced mode. We will fulfil the task of the Head of State. We will not allow anything that could pose a threat to our national security.”
