Russia could use Belarus for operation against Ukraine or NATO country – Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia has intensified contacts with Alexander Lukashenko in an attempt to draw Belarus into new aggressive operations.

This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram following a meeting with the heads of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Defense Intelligence, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Security Service of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

“We continue to document Russia’s attempts to draw Belarus deeper into the war against Ukraine. We know that additional contacts have taken place between the Russians and Aleksandr Lukashenko, aimed at persuading him to join new Russian aggressive operations,” he wrote.

Zelensky said that Russia is considering plans for operations to the south and north of Belarusian territory – “either against the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction in Ukraine or against one of the NATO countries directly from the territory of Belarus.”

“Ukraine has details of the conversation between Russia and Belarus. Ukraine will undoubtedly defend itself and its people if Aleksandr Lukashenko makes the wrong call and decides to support this Russian intention as well. I instructed our Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine to strengthen the relevant direction and to present our response plan, which will be reviewed and approved at the Staff meeting,” he added.

As previously reported, Volodymyr Zelensky recently signed a new sanctions package, including measures targeting entities from Belarus.