Belarus' Military Camp Construction Raises Concerns

Satellite images suggest that Belarus has built a military-style camp near the town of Osipovichi, possibly to house fighters from the Wagner mercenary group. The construction of the camp coincided with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko offering refuge to Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his fighters. Up to 8,000 Wagner mercenaries may be deployed in Belarus, prompting Ukraine to strengthen its border with Belarus. Lukashenko has previously allowed the Kremlin to use Belarusian territory for military purposes and has welcomed a continued Russian armed presence. He stated that the mercenaries are not a threat to Belarus and expressed confidence in not having to use the nuclear weapons deployed in the country.