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Russian President Vladimir Putin is still seeking to draw Belarus into the full-scale war against Ukraine and has a new plan to achieve this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy warned that the threat of strikes against western Ukraine and an increase in attacks on the region remain.
“Is Russia preparing for this? I think so. Why do they keep drawing Belarus in? We know they are deploying repeaters on Belarusian territory to use this corridor for drones. That is not enough for them,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the Ukrainian president, the Kremlin wants Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko to allow additional types of weapons, including ballistic missiles, to be deployed on Belarusian territory.
“Of course, deploying ballistic missiles in Belarus would pose a threat primarily to the western part of our country. Putin has such plans. But this would mean directly drawing Belarus into the war,” Zelenskyy warned.
Belarus’s role in Russia’s war against Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russian forces launched their full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including attacks from Belarusian territory. Russian troops advanced toward Kyiv through Belarus, while Moscow used Belarusian airfields, military facilities and airspace to conduct attacks against Ukraine.
Lukashenko’s regime has also provided logistical support to Moscow, including access to infrastructure and facilities for repairing military equipment.
Despite this support, Belarusian armed forces have not officially entered the war as a direct combatant.
According to Ukrainian authorities, equipment deployed in Belarus helps Russia control its attack drones. Belarusian companies also supply Russia with equipment and components used in weapons production.
