Russia considering operational plans to south and north of Belarusian territory – Zelenskyy

Following a meeting with Ukraine's military leadership, intelligence services and the Security Service of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine continues to record attempts by Russia to further draw Belarus into the war against Ukraine and instructed Ukraine's defence forces to present a response plan.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Quote from Zelenskyy: "We know that additional contacts have taken place between the Russians and Aleksandr Lukashenko aimed at persuading him to join new Russian aggressive operations. In particular, 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."

Details: Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has information about the content of discussions between Russia and Belarus and will defend itself and its people if Lukashenko decides to support this Russian intention.

"I instructed our defence 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 said.

Background: Earlier, Zelenskyy reported that on 1 May, there was "quite specific activity" in Belarus near the Ukrainian border. "We are carefully recording everything and monitoring everything and, if necessary, we will respond. Ukraine is ready to defend its people and its sovereignty, and everyone who is being drawn into any aggressive activity against Ukraine must understand this," he said.

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