Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Russia is set to establish additional ground control stations for long-range drones in both occupied regions of Ukraine and in Belarus. This information was shared following a briefing from Oleksandr Ivashchenko, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence.
Zelensky emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “We have clear information that Russia plans to further deploy ground control stations for long-range drones in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and four stations in Belarus. We will respond accordingly.” He instructed Ivashchenko to keep partners and media informed about the available data.
This development comes in the wake of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent comments, in which he dismissed claims from Russian intelligence about potential threats to Belarus’s sovereignty. He asserted, “There is no force capable of separating Belarus from Russia.”
In a related context, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service has issued warnings regarding alleged Western intentions towards Belarus. They claim that Western nations are seeking new “liberal activists” in Belarus to initiate a scenario reminiscent of a “color revolution.”
The situation raises concerns about the strategic implications of Russia’s military presence in Belarus, particularly as it relates to regional stability and Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky’s remarks indicate a proactive approach by Ukraine to counter potential threats from its neighbor.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has revealed plans for Russia to deploy drone control stations in occupied Ukraine and Belarus, signaling heightened military activity. This announcement follows Belarusian leader Lukashenko's dismissal of sovereignty concerns and warnings from Russia about Western interference.