In his evening address, Zelenskyy added that Ukraine’s partners have been informed about the various plans Moscow has for its de-facto puppet state.
“I understand clearly what is being discussed between Russia and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko,” Zelenskyy said.
“There is now increased activity by the Russians — I mean in talks with Alexander Lukashenko. They want to draw Belarus much more into the war and start additional aggressive operations from Belarusian territory — either against our Chernihiv
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will continue to defend its territory and citizens.
On May 12, Lukashenko said he planned “selective mobilization” of some military units to “prepare for possible combat operations.” He insisted Belarus is committed to peace but that its military must be ready for war “if necessary.”
On May 4, State Border Guard Service spokesman Andriy
Demchenko said Belarus was building training grounds and logistical routes that
Russia could use at any time, though he added that the current Russian force in
Belarus was insufficient for an offensive on Ukraine.