KIEV (Reuters) – Ukraine said on Monday it had seen no signs of a buildup of Belarusian troops near its border, contradicting a statement from Minsk that more troops had been sent to the area.

“Over the past few days, we have not registered any movement or deployment of Belarusian armed forces, (including) various units, equipment and personnel near our border,” said Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the Ukrainian Border Guard Service.

Belarus, a close ally of the Kremlin and bordering northern Ukraine, said on Saturday it would send troops to reinforce its border with Ukraine after accusing Kyiv of violating its airspace with drones.

A Belarusian troop buildup on the border would be a potential threat. Ukraine might be forced to respond by withdrawing its already overstretched troops at a tense moment to reinforce the area along Ukraine’s northern border with Russia.

Nearly two and a half years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last week. Russia said on Monday there was also increased Ukrainian military activity near Russia’s Belgorod region.

Demchenko said in a televised address that Belarus made the statement about power building in order to “cooperate with Russia” and contribute to an information campaign aimed at putting pressure on Ukraine.

“Most likely, they will be forced to move equipment and personnel, perhaps in small numbers, to create the impression that this is happening. Most likely, if it happens or is already happening, it will take place deeper into Belarusian territory,” Demchenko added.

(Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Editing by Tom Balmforth and Angus MacSwan)