Belarus concentrates forces near border with Poland and Lithuania in military drill

Belarus has begun four-day military exercises near its borders with Poland and Lithuania, the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe reported, citing the defence ministry in Minsk.

The drills involve mechanised and tank battalions, with troops training in border protection, counter-sabotage operations and defence against drone and light aircraft attacks.

The location is significant. Some exercises are taking place near the Suwałki Gap, a narrow corridor between Poland and Lithuania considered strategically critical by NATO.

Of particular note are the Hoża training ground, situated on the Lithuanian border, and the Brzeski and Różański ranges, located roughly 15 and 60 kilometres from the Polish border, respectively.

The Suwałki Gap is one of the most strategically sensitive areas in terms of security in this part of Europe.

This 104-kilometre stretch of the Polish-Lithuanian border provides a land link between the Baltic states and the rest of NATO, while at the same time separating Belarus from Russia's Kaliningrad region.