Amidst the ongoing military conflict and tense situation at the borders, Belarus has made an unexpected proposal to the residents of the neighboring country. Official Minsk stated its readiness to allow Ukrainians into its forests to collect mushrooms and berries, citing long-standing traditions of borderland residents.
However, in Kyiv, this initiative was met with extreme skepticism. Representatives of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) warned that behind the idea of a 'silent hunt' there may be a trap, and crossing the border remains extremely dangerous.
Minsk's Proposal: A Return to Tradition
On Thursday, June 25, the press service of the Border Committee of Belarus reported in its Telegram channel about plans to simplify border crossing. According to the statement, border guards are ready to ensure a seasonal simplified pass for residents of the Ukrainian borderland.
The message notes that the mechanisms for passage are being worked out by order of the President of Belarus. The goal of the initiative is named as visiting border territories to collect forest gifts in previously established places. As an example, the republican landscape sanctuary 'Olmanskie Bogs' in the Stolin district of the Brest region is mentioned.
The Belarusian side emphasizes that such a practice was implemented previously, taking into account the interests of residents of border regions. To cross the border, it is proposed to use three simplified passage points in the direction of the Ukrainian villages of Drozdyn, Berezo, and Poznan in the Rivne region. According to Belarusian border guards, information about the proposal has already been sent to the Ukrainian side through diplomatic channels.
Kyiv's Position: Danger and Minefields
The reaction of the Ukrainian side did not keep itself waiting. Spokesperson of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Andriy Demchenko, in a comment for RBC-Ukraine, reminded that at the moment strict restrictions are in effect in the borderland.
"And in general, the border with Belarus is a danger in general," Demchenko stated. He explained that threats to Ukrainians come not only from the actions of Belarusian authorities but also from real physical obstacles on the ground.
According to the SBGS representative, there are mine and explosive obstacles on the border with Belarus. In addition, there is a further increase in engineering and fortification fortifications, which makes any movement in this area deadly dangerous.
Political Subtext of the Initiative
Evaluating the statement of the Border Committee of Belarus, SBGS spokesperson Andriy Demchenko suggested that this is an attempt by Belarus to "appease" Ukrainians against the backdrop of a difficult situation within the republic. He reminded that Minsk continues to support Russia in the war against Ukraine in various ways, including using technical means such as repeaters.
"And they hope that thereby Ukraine... I don't know... Will accept such a proposal," added Demchenko, expressing doubt about the sincerity of the intentions of the Belarusian side.
He emphasized the principled position of Kyiv: as long as Belarus does not stop supporting the "terrorist state", there will be no changes in the border regime. Thus, the initiative on "mushroom tourism" has no chance of implementation in the near future.
Context: Lukashenko and Kremlin Pressure
It is important to note that Minsk's statement came against the backdrop of rumors about possible increased pressure from Russia. Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggested that the Kremlin might declare a "duty" for Belarusians to fight for Russia.
Meanwhile, according to sources, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is allegedly resisting the Kremlin's demands regarding direct entry into the war against Ukraine. In this complex geopolitical situation, the proposal for a "silent hunt" looks like an attempt to create the appearance of peaceful initiatives, however, Kyiv sees in this only a tactical move.