Zelenskyy warns Belarus against entering war with Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned Belarus against joining the war against Ukraine, citing what he described as growing military preparations near the shared border.

In a statement posted on X, Zelenskyy said infrastructure developments were underway in Belarusian regions adjacent to Ukraine, including the construction of roads leading toward Ukrainian territory and the establishment of artillery positions.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi delivered his report. First of all, regarding the front line – I am grateful to all our units that are holding their positions and repelling Russian assaults. The high pace of eliminating occupiers continues in April. The Russians are not…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 17, 2026

“I have instructed that appropriate channels be used to warn the de facto leadership of Belarus about Ukraine’s readiness to defend its land and independence. The nature and consequences of recent events in Venezuela should serve as a warning to the Belarusian leadership against making mistakes,” the Ukrainian leader said.