Zelenskyy: Putin wants to deploy ballistic systems in Belarus, posing threat to western Ukraine
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is still trying to draw Belarus into a full-scale war against Ukraine. The Kremlin leader now has a new plan to achieve this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in comments to journalists.
The president said the threat of strikes and an increase in attacks on the western part of the country remains.
"Is Russia preparing for this? I think so. Why do they keep trying to draw Belarus in? We know they are deploying signal repeaters on Belarusian territory to use this corridor for drones. That is not enough for them," Zelenskyy stressed.
The president explained that the Kremlin needs the support of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko to deploy other types of weapons on Belarusian territory, including ballistic missile weapon systems.
"Of course, deploying ballistic missile weapon systems in Belarus would pose a threat primarily to the western part of our country. Putin is considering this. But it would mean directly drawing Belarus into this war," Zelensky warned.
Belarus’ role in Russia’s war against Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russian forces launched an attack on Ukraine, including from Belarusian territory. Russian troops advanced toward the Kyiv region from there. Russia used Belarusian airfields, military facilities, and airspace to launch attacks on Ukraine.
The Lukashenko regime has also provided Moscow with logistical and material support, including the ability to repair military equipment and use Belarusian infrastructure.
Despite this, Belarusian armed forces have not officially entered the war against Ukraine as a direct combatant.
According to Ukrainian officials, equipment that helps control Russian attack drones is being deployed on Belarusian territory. Belarusian companies are also supplying Russia with equipment and components for weapons systems.
Recently, Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service revealed Belarus’ role in a Russian drone attack near the Yahodyn border crossing.
It was also reported that Belarus accused Ukraine of deliberately attacking a truck in Russia’s Bryansk region.
