"In our region, the entire border perimeter is mined.

In addition, the north of the Rivne region is completely forests and swamps.

Only a madman would dare to climb into this, as we call it, Polesky cauldron.

The north of the Rivne region will become a bloody swamp if Russia opens another front from the side of Belarus," Koval wrote in his Telegram channel.

He also noted that engineering and fortification structures are being actively built in the north of the region, and anti-tank ditches are being equipped.

"All 229 km of the joint [border] with the Republic of Belarus are being strengthened so much that Russian troops will not be able to pass deep into our region.

If the Belarusian authorities allow them to start an offensive.

The local population is in a fighting mood.

Keep in mind, this is another army.

People are ready to defend their territory.

"Historically, the north of Rivne region is the land of partisan glory," Koval noted.

According to him, local residents voluntarily come every day to dig anti-tank ditches, help erect fences and other defensive structures.

In January 2023, the Ukrainian military held exercises near the border with Belarus, during which they practiced measures to protect the country in the event of a new invasion from the north.