Putin will try to drag Belarus into war - Zelenskyy
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to deploy troops in Belarus this year and attempt to drag the country into the war. Specifically, he may threaten Poland or the Baltic countries from there, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a press conference with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
"Countries must decide for themselves how much to pay (referring to defense spending as a percentage of GDP - ed.). This is for their security. With Putin's ambitions, today we see that he is doing everything to continue this war. He will go further and think about other countries," said Zelenskyy.
The President expressed confidence that Putin will provoke other countries. In his opinion, the next targets could be Poland or the Baltic states.
"This is not just more rhetoric. You will see, in the spring, summer, or fall, he will deploy forces on Belarusian territory. And many Europeans, and maybe the US, will say this is intimidation. This is intimidation of Poland, intimidation of Lithuania, and other Baltic partners," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He noted that he does not know if there will be an invasion of these countries, but in any case, the Russian President will drag Belarus into the war.
"Although, in my opinion, they have already been at war. But their people haven’t, their military hasn’t. Not yet. But Putin really wants this. So, I think we need to do everything to stop him," the President concluded.
Belarus helps Russia in its war against Ukraine
Belarus has been assisting Russia since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Russian troops, aviation, and other military equipment are stationed on Belarusian territory, and regular military exercises are held there.
Additionally, the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has claimed the placement of Russian nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system on Belarusian territory.
Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a security guarantee agreement with Belarus for ratification by the State Duma. The document specifically includes provisions for the use of nuclear weapons.
