Russia again trying to draw Belarus into its war, Zelenskyy says
Belarus is building roads towards the Ukrainian border and setting up artillery positions near Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said after receiving a report from Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)
Quote: "We are also observing attempts by the occupying forces to regroup – most likely in order to compensate for a shortage of personnel. In this context, it is becoming increasingly clear why military activity in Belarus has increased.
According to intelligence, the construction of roads towards Ukrainian territory and the development of artillery positions are underway in the Belarusian border areas. We believe that Russia may once again attempt to drag Belarus into its war."
Details: Zelenskyy said he has instructed the relevant channels to warn Belarus's de facto leadership that Ukraine stands ready 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," he added.
Background:
- Earlier, Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said that Russia intends to create a buffer zone in Vinnytsia Oblast from the side of the unrecognised Transnistrian region but currently lacks the forces to do so.
- Zelenskyy had previously stated that Russia wants to establish a buffer zone along the entire border – not only its own border, but Belarus's as well.
- On 23 February, Zelenskyy said Moscow and Minsk were again discussing joint military drills on Belarusian territory.
- On 1 April, self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko said his country is preparing for war, as it is pointless to hope for peacetime now.
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