President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared for all possible defense scenarios against Moscow and its ally Belarus, as Russia’s Vladimir Putin headed to Belarus and Russian troops stationed there prepared to hold exercises.
Officials in Kyiv have warned for months that neighboring Belarus could join Russian forces and again serve as a launching pad for a new offensive to create a second front in the months-long war.
“Defending our border – both with Russia and with Belarus – is our constant priority,” Zelensky said after a meeting with Ukraine’s top military command on Sunday. “We are preparing for all possible defense scenarios.”
Putin left for Belarus on Monday for his first trip in 3-1/2 years, with the Kremlin describing it as an extensive “working visit” with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
Belarus – one of Russia’s closest allies – allowed its territory to be used as a launchpad for Moscow’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine, but did not get directly involved in the fighting. Lukashenko has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of sending his country’s army to Ukraine.
Zelensky said that whatever Lukashenko might be persuaded to do for Russia “will not help him, like all the other sick ideas in this war against Ukraine and Ukrainians.”
Russian troops moved to Belarus in October will conduct battalion tactical exercises, Russian Interfax news agency reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
It was not immediately clear when and where the exercise would be held in Belarus.