Zelensky warns Belarus of 'consequences' over possible deeper involvement in war
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine is prepared to take preventive measures against potential military threats from Russia and Belarus, emphasizing consequences if Belarusian aggression occurs.
- Concerns are rising in Kyiv about Russia possibly opening a new front involving Belarus, especially as Belarus conducts joint nuclear exercises with Russia.
- Zelensky visited Slavutych near the Belarusian border to bolster local defenses against potential threats from Belarus or Russia's Bryansk Oblast.
- Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko denied plans to involve Belarus in the war unless its territory is attacked and proposed a meeting with Zelensky, which Kyiv dismissed due to mistrust.
- Lithuania indicated potential U.S. pressure to allow Belarus to use its main port for fertilizer exports despite sanctions, raising fears in Kyiv that easing sanctions on Belarus could encourage Russia to seek similar relief.