Belarus Advises Citizens to Avoid Travel to Russia Amid Security Risks on Border Routes

Belarusian State Secretary of the Security Council, Alexander Volfovich, has urged citizens to temporarily refrain from traveling to Russia, particularly to its border areas. This advisory follows recent drone attacks targeting buses carrying Belarusian citizens near the Russian border, raising significant safety concerns amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Security Risks in Border Regions Prompt Travel Warning

On July 2, Belarusian official media reported Volfovich’s recommendation, emphasizing the unpredictability of safety conditions for travelers until the war in Ukraine concludes. "We have repeatedly warned citizens. The president has spoken multiple times urging Belarusians to avoid trips to Russia, especially to border regions where daily drone incidents occur," he stated.

"No one can guarantee safety for such trips until the war in Ukraine ends," said Volfovich, highlighting the dangers faced by private travelers.

Volfovich noted that the targeted buses were not linked to any organized group activities such as school or sports excursions but were private trips. One incident involved Belarusian citizens traveling to Anapa on the Black Sea, a popular recreational destination. While acknowledging the positive intent of such vacations, he underscored the high risks involved during transit.

Such concerns stem from multiple drone strikes reported in the Bryansk region of Russia, close to the Belarusian border. On June 17, a drone strike hit a bus carrying a Belarusian children’s football team traveling from Gomel to Gelendzhik. The attack resulted in the death of a chaperone and injuries to six others, including four children. Both Moscow and Minsk blamed Ukraine for the strikes and demanded explanations from Kyiv.

However, the Ukrainian General Staff denied involvement, stating that their forces did not deploy drones in Bryansk at the relevant times, dismissing the reports as Kremlin disinformation aimed at provoking tensions.

Another drone attack occurred on July 2 against a bus traveling from Minsk to Anapa in the Bryansk region. This strike injured three people, including two drivers and one passenger, who were hospitalized in Gomel. Belarusian health authorities confirmed the casualties, while the Bryansk regional authorities again blamed Ukraine for the incident.

The Belarusian Security Council secretary reminded citizens that borders remain open, and the decision to travel lies with them, but risks are significant. He also pointed to available holiday options within Belarus as safer alternatives for rest and recreation amid the volatile security environment near the border.