Ukraine has details of Russia-Belarus talks aimed at drawing Lukashenko into new aggressive operations
Russia is exploring plans to launch military operations from Belarusian territory targeting either Ukraine's Chernihiv-Kyiv direction or a NATO member state, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following a meeting with the heads of the General Staff, Defense Intelligence, Foreign Intelligence Service and Security Service of Ukraine on Friday.
Russia has held new talks with self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko aimed at drawing Belarus into fresh aggressive military operations, and is considering plans for offensive to the south or north of Belarusian territory, Zelenskyy warned.
Kyiv possesses details of the conversations between Russia and Belarus. The head of state ordered Ukraine's Defense Forces to reinforce the relevant direction and present a response plan.
"Ukraine will undoubtedly defend itself and its people if Alexander Lukashenko makes a mistake and decides to support this Russian intention as well," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly warned that Russia would attempt to draw Belarus into the war.
In April, he reported that road construction toward Ukrainian territory and the positioning of artillery were underway along the Belarusian border.
In early May, he flagged what he described as "unusual activity" by Belarus near the Ukrainian border.