Zelenskyy: Russia seeks to draw Belarus into war against Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russia is attempting to draw Belarus into the war against Ukraine and is considering launching operations from Belarusian territory—either toward the Chernihiv–Kyiv axis or against a NATO member state.

Zelenskyy made the remarks following a meeting with the heads of Ukraine’s General Staff, Military Intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and the Foreign Intelligence Service.

“We continue to record Russia’s attempts to further involve Belarus in the war against Ukraine. There are known additional contacts between the Russians and Aleksandr Lukashenko aimed at persuading him to join new aggressive operations. In particular, Russia is considering plans for operations from the south and north of Belarus’ territory—either against the Chernihiv–Kyiv direction in Ukraine or against one of the NATO countries—from Belarusian territory. Ukraine has details of conversations between Russia and Belarus. Ukraine will, of course, defend itself and its people if Aleksandr Lukashenko makes a mistake and decides to support this Russian plan,” Zelenskyy said.

He also addressed Ukraine’s response to ongoing Russian strikes that continue to cause civilian casualties.

“We are responding justly to Russia’s oil industry, military production, and to those individuals who directly commit war crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians,” he added.

Zelenskyy further stated that Ukrainian specialists have obtained documents indicating that Russia is preparing new missile and drone strikes targeting “decision-making centres” in Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva