Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alleges Russia is attempting to draw Belarus into the war, citing infrastructure development and troop movements near the border.
New Tensions at the Border
Ukraine is warning of escalating tensions at its border with Belarus, alleging Russia is attempting to involve Minsk in its ongoing war.
President Zelenskyy stated this following a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Russian Efforts to Involve Belarus
According to Ukrainian intelligence, construction is underway on roads leading towards Ukraine from Belarus, alongside the preparation of artillery positions. Zelenskyy believes Russia is attempting to draw Belarus further into the conflict.
He also noted observed attempts to regroup Russian forces, likely to address personnel shortages, indicating increased activity of Belarusian armed forces.
Ukraine’s Warning to Belarus
Zelenskyy stated he has instructed officials to communicate to Belarusian authorities that Ukraine is prepared to defend its territory and independence.
He referenced recent events in Venezuela, seemingly alluding to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January, as a cautionary tale for Belarus.
Continued Russian Losses and Drone Capabilities
Zelenskyy emphasized that the rate of Russian military losses remains high in April, stating Russia has failed to seize the initiative on the front lines.
He also noted Russia deployed relay systems for controlling strike drones to Belarusian territory in the latter half of 2025, enhancing their ability to attack northern Ukrainian regions.
Belarusian Support for Russian Weaponry
Zelenskyy claims Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko not only provided territory for Russia’s Orieshnik medium-range missile system but also that Belarusian enterprises supplied key components for the weapon.
Russian Strategy: Maintaining Pressure on Ukraine
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Counteracting Disinformation (CPD), stated Russia has directed Belarus to keep Ukrainian Armed Forces “on edge” ahead of potential offensives in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Kovalenko warned that provocations from Belarus would be a mistake by Lukashenko and his regime.