KYIV, Ukraine, June 25, 2026 — Ukraine will establish new combat brigades to strengthen defenses along its northern border with Belarus after intelligence indicated Russia is preparing to expand military operations in the region, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said.
Speaking to Ukrainian media outlet LIGA.net, Syrskyi said Russia has revised its military plans after failing to achieve its objectives on key operational axes. According to Ukrainian military assessments, Moscow is seeking to broaden active combat operations toward northern Ukraine, a move that could extend the active frontline by approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles).
Ukrainian intelligence also assesses that Russia plans to form additional combat divisions and at least five new brigades this year while continuing to maintain an advantage in manpower and military equipment.
New Brigades Needed for Wider Frontline
Syrskyi said the decision to establish new brigades is driven by operational requirements rather than simply increasing troop numbers within existing formations.
He explained that reinforcing a brigade with additional personnel improves its ability to sustain combat operations but does not increase the amount of territory it can effectively defend. As the battlefield expands both in width and depth, additional independent units are required to secure a longer frontline and maintain defensive coverage.
Strengthening the Northern Border
The planned brigades are part of broader efforts to reinforce Ukraine's northern defenses.
Last week, Syrskyi announced the creation of specialized unmanned systems units dedicated to operations along the Belarus border. These units will be equipped with the necessary weapons, drone systems, communications equipment, and logistical support to conduct reconnaissance and strengthen border security.
Ukraine is also expanding the unmanned capabilities of its Territorial Defense Forces to improve surveillance, reconnaissance, and defensive operations in designated sectors.
Increased Security Preparations
Alongside military restructuring, Ukrainian security agencies, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), have been conducting large-scale security operations in northern regions to strengthen border security and prepare for any potential escalation.
The northern frontier, particularly areas bordering the Chernihiv and Sumy regions, has remained under close monitoring since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Although no major ground offensive has recently been launched from Belarusian territory, Ukrainian officials continue to monitor Russian and Belarusian military activity and infrastructure developments near the border.
The establishment of new brigades reflects Ukraine's continuing efforts to adapt its force structure to changing battlefield conditions while maintaining defensive operations across multiple fronts.
——— End of Article ———
