Recent reports indicate a noticeable decrease in the activity of Russian reconnaissance and sabotage groups near the borders of Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions, according to Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS).
Demchenko noted that Russian forces have altered their tactics along these border areas, now focusing on deploying small infantry units. This shift aims to expand their presence and establish a so-called “buffer zone” along the border.
Despite the reduction in such activities, the SBGS emphasized that the risk of infiltration by Russian sabotage groups persists. Although attempts have significantly decreased compared to earlier periods, the threat remains, prompting Ukrainian border guards to maintain heightened monitoring of the situation.
On May 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with leaders from military intelligence, the Ministry of Defense, and the Security Service. Following the discussions, he stated that Russia is planning strikes from Belarus against Ukraine or potentially against NATO countries.
Zelensky revealed that Ukraine is aware of ongoing contacts between Russian officials and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, aimed at persuading Belarus to join new Russian aggressive operations.
Additionally, drones used by both Russia and Ukraine have periodically entered Belarusian airspace. According to Belarusian military sources, there were over 1,400 reported violations of Belarusian airspace rules last year. Deputy Interior Minister Mykola Karpyankov mentioned that approximately 520 drones were demined in Belarus in 2025, with one in three being combat drones.
Authorities rarely disclose information about drone incursions, which typically come to light through social media and independent news outlets. Notable incidents include the destruction of drones over Gomel in September 2024 and a drone crash in a residential area of Minsk in July 2025.
On May 17, a Belavia flight from Moscow to Gomel was unable to land at Gomel Airport due to a Russian drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in the aircraft being redirected to Minsk for landing.
Ukrainian border officials report a decline in Russian reconnaissance activities near the border regions, while concerns remain about potential infiltration and military operations from Belarus. Recent developments highlight ongoing tensions and military readiness in the area.