Russia planned a military invasion of Belarus.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has announced this.
"Documents obtained by Ukraine's military intelligence show that russia's 1st tank army was preparing to invade and seize belorussian territory. After falsifying the presidential election in belarus, the russian federation has developed a plan to invade and suppress protests of population," Ukrainian intelligence reported.
The Chief Directorate of Intelligence (CDI) says that one of the proofs of Russia's preparation for military aggression against the neighboring state is the "Legend to the Plan [copy of materials provided by the CDI] to regroup units and military divisions of the 1st tank army towards the places of the operation rollout."
Russia planned to occupy belarus to avoid involvement "in the regional or large-scale war in European continental region with NATO member states in the West," Ukrainian intelligence explained.
On August 9, 2020, the first round of the presidential election in Belarus took place. According to official data, Alexander Lukashenko received more than 80% of the votes, and his main opponent Tikhanovskaya - more than 9%.
After closing electoral points on Independence Avenue in Minsk and other cities, protesters gathered to object. The protests took place in the capital and other cities. According to the UN, four people died during the protests. Then, at Lukashenko's request, Vladimir Putin created a reserve of security forces [in belarus].