New Frontiers: Russia Eyes Belarus in Ukrainian Conflict

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has sounded the alarm over Russia's latest maneuvers to deepen Belarus's involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During discussions with military officials, Zelenskiy conveyed that Russia is actively pursuing strategies that could involve Belarus in assaults, either on Ukrainian territory or directly on a NATO member nation.

Zelenskiy pointed out undisclosed encounters between Russia and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, intent on steering Belarus into combat operations against Ukraine from the north or one of its NATO-aligned neighbors. Despite the serious claims, neither Moscow nor Minsk has offered immediate responses to Zelenskiy's assertions.

Belarus shares borders with Ukraine and NATO countries, including Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Although Belarus facilitated Russian troop deployments during the initial invasion in February 2022, its forces have not actively joined the battle. Nevertheless, Zelenskiy affirmed Ukraine's readiness to bolster its defenses should Lukashenko opt to mobilize with Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)