Syrskyi told Ukrainian TV news program TSN that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian General Staff to plan multiple offensive options, including attacks launched from Belarus, in an apparent attempt to seize Kyiv and other Ukrainian territory.
Syrskyi said he doubts Belarus’ leadership would allow its territory to be used as a staging ground given recent events, but added that Ukrainian forces are accounting for that scenario.
“At the moment, the most likely offensive actions by the enemy in the north would come from Bryansk Oblast,” Syrskyi said.
“This is a realistic option and, of course, we are preparing for it. [A Russian advance] on Chernihiv Oblast could be aimed at diverting some of our forces from other directions.”
Ukrainian commanders have been reinforcing the northern
border for months. On May 16, the Western Operational Command said
forces were strengthening defenses in the Polissya area with fortifications,
minefields and other positions, and that border guards were on constant alert
for possible provocations from Belarus.