Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and other Defense Forces units launched enhanced security measures in northern regions bordering Russia and Belarus, the General Staff reported.
According to a General Staff statement published Thursday, the measures were introduced following a decision by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The General Staff described the operation as “unprecedented” in scale, citing the number of personnel and resources deployed along the border.
The measures are coordinated by the SBU’s Anti-Terrorist Center and involve the National Police, Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard and State Border Guard Service.
“The measures will serve as an effective deterrent against any aggressive actions or operations by the enemy and its ally,” the statement says.
Operations cover five northern regions
The enhanced security measures are being conducted in Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Volyn and Rivne regions.
According to the General Staff, the operation includes counterintelligence and anti-sabotage activities aimed at preventing enemy infiltration.
Authorities said the measures are also intended to counter sabotage, intelligence-gathering activities and other hostile actions by actors linked to Russia or Belarus.
Security forces will conduct intensified inspections of residents and search surrounding areas for prohibited items.
Residents warned about restrictions, document checks
The SBU also said temporary restrictions on movement and access may be introduced in certain settlements during the operation.
Residents have been warned to expect document and vehicle checks during this period.
Authorities urged citizens to carry identification documents, comply with curfew rules and follow instructions from law enforcement.
The measures are being implemented under martial law and in accordance with Ukrainian legislation.
Concerns over threat from Belarus
Following this, Belarus’s defense ministry said on Monday that it had launched exercises with Russian participation, including drills involving units tasked with the use of nuclear weapons and support operations.
On Friday, Zelensky reported that Ukrainian intelligence has evidence Russia is attempting to draw Belarus more directly into the war.
According to him, Russia is considering operational plans involving forces deployed from Belarusian territory toward the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis.
He said Kyiv had identified contacts between Russian officials and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko regarding possible new military actions.
“For every possible enemy scenario, we are preparing responses if the Russians truly decide to expand their aggression,” Zelensky said.