Zelenskyy Warns of a Threat from Belarus: What Russia Is Planning
16 May 00:23
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is attempting to draw Belarus more deeply into the war against Ukraine. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Moscow is discussing with the Belarusian leadership the possibility of new aggressive operations—either against northern Ukraine, specifically the Chernihiv-Kyiv region, or against one of the NATO countries bordering Belarus. The head of state made this statement after a meeting with military officials and intelligence chiefs, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
What Zelenskyy said
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine is observing increased contact between Russia and Alexander Lukashenko. According to the president, Moscow wants to draw Belarus much deeper into the war and use its territory for new operations.
There are two possible directions of the threat:
- against the Chernihiv-Kyiv region of Ukraine;
- against one of the NATO countries bordering Belarus.
Zelensky emphasized that the Ukrainian side understands what Russia and the Belarusian leadership are discussing. International partners have also been informed of these risks.
Ukraine will strengthen its northern front
The President has instructed the Ukrainian Defense and Security Forces to prepare a plan to respond to potential threats from Belarus.
This plan is to be reviewed and approved in the near future at a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters.
“We will strengthen the Chernihiv-Kyiv sector,” Zelenskyy stated.
According to the head of state, Ukraine must be prepared for any turn of events if Belarus supports Russia’s new intentions.
Why Belarus Remains a Threat
Belarus has already played a role in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. It was from Belarusian territory in February 2022 that Russian troops entered northern Ukraine, specifically in the direction of Kyiv. Although Belarusian troops did not officially take direct part in combat operations, Lukashenko’s regime provided Russia with territory and infrastructure for the attack.
Reuters also notes that Belarus remains one of Russia’s closest allies, and Minsk has agreed to the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons and missile systems on its territory.
A Potential Threat to NATO
Zelenskyy stated that Russia may be considering not only the Ukrainian front but also possible actions against NATO countries bordering Belarus.
Belarus shares a border with several Alliance countries—Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. That is why the potential use of Belarusian territory for new operations poses risks not only to Ukraine but also to European security as a whole.
Zelenskyy spoke about Russian documents regarding strikes on Kyiv
Separately, the president reported that Ukraine has intercepted Russian documents listing potential targets for strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
According to Zelenskyy, these include political and military facilities, the locations of the army and government leadership, as well as Bankova Street. The president stated that Russia has long been harboring such plans and has now intensified its search for information on the whereabouts of the Ukrainian leadership.
What preceded the statement
Earlier, Alexander Lukashenko announced that the Belarusian armed forces were preparing for war, while simultaneously claiming that Minsk allegedly opposes military action.
In addition, in April, Lukashenko signed a decree calling up reserve officers for military service. Against the backdrop of Zelenskyy’s statements, these steps are drawing increased attention to the situation on Ukraine’s northern border.
