Tensions continue to rise along NATO's eastern flank. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered a rapid combat readiness inspection of the country's armed forces, specifically, the 51st Guards Artillery Brigade was placed on full alert. Furthermore, personnel have been recalled, and the unit is currently expected to leave its permanent base for unspecified tasks. It is not yet known what prompted Belarus to make this decision, but the timing is certainly noteworthy, given CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow yesterday. One possibility is that the Belarusian armed forces are preparing to enter the conflict in Ukraine, opening a new northern front alongside the Russian army, however, there is currently no confirmation of this.