Ukrainian army takes action on Belarus border - DRILLS KICK OFF along the border

The crackle of gunfire and the roar of armoured vehicles filled sleepy west Ukrainian towns near the Belarusian border on Wednesday (January 11) as Kyiv's forces trained for the threat of a fresh assault across a new front in the north.

Ukraine fears Russia could build up forces on the territory of its Belarusian ally before striking in the northwest or northeast of Ukraine or even trying to drive towards Kyiv as it did when it invaded last February.

By reopening a northern front, Russia would stretch Kyiv's forces, which have been focused for months on bloody battles raging in the east and south, forcing it to divert forces to the north.