Ukraine warns at UN of further Belarus involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine

Andrii Melnyk, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has warned of the risk of Belarus becoming more deeply involved in Russia's war against Ukraine and called for increased pressure on Moscow and Minsk through sanctions.

Source: Melnyk at a meeting of the UN Security Council, as quoted by Suspilne and Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "Under growing Kremlin pressure, Belarus is being pushed towards deeper involvement in the war, including through mobilisation measures, the deployment of advanced missile systems and nuclear-related exercises."

"We are closely monitoring Russia's activities aimed at further involving Belarus in aggression against Ukraine."

Details: Melnyk added that the regime of self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has effectively relinquished its sovereignty by allowing Moscow to use Belarusian territory, military infrastructure and airspace.

According to Melnyk, this creates "a new unprecedented threat not only to Ukraine but also to European security".

The diplomat stressed that Ukraine hopes there will be no new invasion from Belarusian territory but is prepared to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Quote: "Any attack from the north will trigger an immediate and decisive response, and the regime in Minsk will face devastating consequences."

Details: Melnyk also called on the UN Security Council to increase pressure on Moscow and Minsk in order to prevent further escalation of the war.

Quote: "Every loophole that remains open, every sanction left unenforced and every source of revenue left untouched enables the Kremlin to prolong its war of aggression."

Background:

• Earlier, Tammy Bruce, US Deputy Representative to the UN, described large-scale Russian strikes on Kyiv as an "inexplicable, dangerous, and barbaric escalation" that is "obscene and unacceptable". She called for a ceasefire and reminded Russia of its "legal obligations", stressing that diplomacy is "the only path forward towards lasting peace".
• Melnyk also called on Western partners to increase assistance for strengthening Ukraine's air defence by at least tenfold in response to Russia's large-scale attacks. He further stated that Russian propaganda had effectively acknowledged the indiscriminate nature of Russia's strikes on civilian targets in Kyiv.

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