Zelenskyy discusses strengthening border security amid threats from Belarus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited the north of Ukraine and held discussions with regional leaders on strengthening protection in border areas.

Source: Zelenskyy in an address on 21 May

Quote: "Today I am in Slavutych, in the north of our country. Here I met with the heads of hromadas from the northern regions – Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts.

It is very important to support our people here and strengthen protection. That is exactly what we are working on." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories – ed.]

Details: Zelenskyy added that the discussions focused on fortifications and additional measures to strengthen the border, against the backdrop of Russia's efforts to draw Belarus further into the war.

The prime minister and other government officials also took part in the meeting with leaders of hromadas.

Quote: "We have the capability to strengthen our defences, and we also have the capability to act preventively regarding Russian territory, from which threats may emerge, and regarding the de facto leadership of Belarus, which must remain alert – that is, it must clearly understand that there will be consequences if aggressive actions are taken against Ukraine and our people.

We remember that the invasion in 2022 was launched from Belarusian territory as well. We will not forget that. Ukraine's defence forces, security services and intelligence agencies understand the threats and know how to respond – to respond fairly, without a doubt."

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!