Ukraine strengthens control over border due to Zapad 2017 exercises – Slobodian

The State Border Service of Ukraine has strengthened control over borders at all sectors due to the Zapad 2017 joint Belarusian-Russian military exercises.

Assistant to the Chairman of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Oleh Slobodian stated this, 112 Ukraina TV channel reported.

"These events have already begun since early September. The command and staff exercises have started, during which the border sections are strengthened in all directions without exception, from the ATO zone, northern, western, southern parts, that is, we are strengthening control at all sectors at least until the end of the Zapad 2017 exercises," Slobodian said.

According to him, Russian troops have already started to arrive in Belarus.

"Therefore, the situation needs to be controlled, and we are already holding these events," he stressed.

As Ukrinform reported, the active phase of the Russian-Belarusian military exercises is scheduled for September 14-20.

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