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Large-scale inspections have begun in five regions of Ukraine due to a threat from the north: what you need to know

Large-scale inspections have begun in five regions of Ukraine due to a threat from the north: what you need to know

21 May 2026, 15:00

Large-scale inspections have begun in five regions of Ukraine due to a threat from the north: what you need to know — The threat of an attack from the north

The SBU, together with other law enforcement agencies, has launched an unprecedented operation in five northern regions of Ukraine.

This has been reported by the SBU.

What is happening in the north

Large-scale security measures have been launched in the Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Volyn and Rivne regions. Their aim is to prevent the enemy from infiltrating border areas and to thwart sabotage, espionage and other war crimes.

The operation is being coordinated by the Anti-Terrorist Centre at the SBU. The National Police, the Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service are also involved.

The SBU emphasises that, in terms of the number of personnel and resources deployed, these measures are unprecedented in the territories bordering Russia and Belarus.

What the security forces will be doing

During the operation, the following measures are planned:

enhanced checks on citizens in the area of the operation;
searches of areas and individual premises for prohibited items.

There may also be temporary restrictions on access and passage in certain settlements, as well as document checks and vehicle searches. All operations are being conducted within the legal framework of martial law.

The SBU has appealed to the public to be understanding of any inconvenience caused. In particular:

carry identity documents;
comply with the lawful requests of law enforcement officers;
observe the curfew.

It should be recalled that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is working on five scenarios for expanding the war through northern Ukraine. According to him, Ukrainian forces in this area will be reinforced.

It was also reported earlier that the occupiers are considering specific options for an attack via the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction from the direction of Belarus and the Bryansk region.

Zelenskyy warned that the consequences for Belarus would be significant should it be drawn into the war.

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