During a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, Ukraine raised alarms about the potential deepening involvement of Belarus in the conflict initiated by Russia. Ukrainian Ambassador to the UN, Andrii Melnyk, urged for increased sanctions against both Moscow and Minsk.
Melnyk emphasized that Ukraine is closely monitoring actions taken by Russia and Belarus that may indicate preparations for greater Belarusian participation in the war. “We are carefully tracking Russia’s efforts to further entangle Belarus in its aggression against Ukraine,” Melnyk stated.
“We are carefully tracking Russia’s efforts to further entangle Belarus in its aggression against Ukraine,” said Melnyk.
The ambassador accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of effectively surrendering the country’s sovereignty by allowing Russia to utilize its territory, military infrastructure, and airspace for operations against Ukraine. He noted that the Kremlin is intensifying pressure on Minsk through mobilization efforts, the deployment of advanced missile systems, and nuclear-related training, which he described as an unprecedented threat to Ukraine and European security.
While Ukraine hopes that Belarus will not directly enter the conflict, Melnyk warned that the country is prepared to respond decisively to any new attacks from the north. “Any attack from the north will receive an immediate and resolute response,” he asserted.
“Any attack from the north will receive an immediate and resolute response,” he asserted.
Ukraine has called on the UN Security Council and the international community to intensify pressure on Russia and Belarus to prevent further escalation. Melnyk also urged partners to strengthen sanctions against Russia following one of the most extensive bombardments of Kyiv since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
“Every loophole that remains open, every unfulfilled sanction, and every untouched source of revenue allows the Kremlin to continue its aggressive war,” the diplomat remarked.
On May 24, Kyiv experienced a devastating strike, which Melnyk likened to a “real Armageddon.” He reported that Russia spent approximately $360 million on this attack.
“These funds could have been used to build schools, hospitals, or drainage systems in Russia itself. Instead, Putin is investing hundreds of millions in missiles that destroy vegetable markets, cafes, and residential buildings in Kyiv,” he added.
Melnyk accused Russia of attempting to create a “myth of its own victimhood” and justifying new strikes on Ukraine through disinformation and propaganda. He also called for increased assistance in air defense from international partners and urged the Security Council to adopt a resolution for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, raising the issue of stripping Russia of its permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
The UN Security Council convened following the large-scale Russian bombardment of Kyiv on May 24. According to reports from Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched 90 missiles and 600 drones of various types throughout the night. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted 55 missiles and 549 drones, with Kyiv being the primary target. The attack resulted in significant destruction across several districts, with casualties and over 90 individuals injured.
On May 22, Russian news agency TASS reported an attack on a training facility and dormitory of the Starobilsk Vocational College, accusing Ukrainian forces of the strike. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces denied these claims, stating that Ukrainian military forces targeted a command post of the Russian military unit “Rubikon” in temporarily occupied Starobilsk.
The General Staff added that “Rubikon” is a Russian military special unit involved in attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure within Ukraine. On May 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement following reports of drone strikes in Starobilsk, accusing Ukraine of attacking civilian sites and threatening to expand strikes on Kyiv and critical infrastructure.
European embassies responded to Russia’s threats of renewed attacks on Kyiv, affirming their commitment to continue operations. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned these threats as blackmail and escalation, urging allies to respond with increased support, particularly in military aid.
Julie Davis, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine, condemned the nighttime attack on Kyiv, which targeted museums, metro stations, residential buildings, and other civilian facilities. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated he conveyed a message from Putin regarding attacks on Kyiv and recommended the evacuation of diplomatic personnel.
Ukraine has alerted the UN about Belarus' potential deeper involvement in the conflict with Russia, urging for stronger sanctions against both nations. Ambassador Andrii Melnyk emphasized the need for international support to counter escalating threats and called for an immediate ceasefire resolution.