Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council to discuss the possibility of Russian military operations launching from Belarus. This meeting comes amid heightened concerns regarding the strategic intentions of Russia in the region.
Zelensky reported via social media that intelligence assessments regarding Russian plans for offensive actions in the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction were thoroughly analyzed. He stated, “We are preparing responses to every possible action by the enemy, should the Russians choose to expand their aggression. Our forces in the area will be increased… Ukraine will certainly defend itself, and our current task is to strengthen our state to ensure that none of the five Russian scenarios for escalating the war through northern Ukraine materializes.”
Additionally, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine is reassessing its options for external diplomatic activities. He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare additional measures aimed at exerting diplomatic pressure on Belarus, which could potentially be used by Russia to further its military objectives. He also mentioned that undisclosed tasks have been assigned to Ukrainian intelligence agencies.
Furthermore, the President announced plans to expand the geographical scope of Ukraine’s long-range strikes against Russian territory. He emphasized, “We are preparing to broaden the geography of our long-range sanctions, which have proven effective, and to apply more significant pressure on Russia to reduce its aggression. We have noted information regarding Russia’s preparations for new mobilization efforts, which may involve an additional 100,000 personnel. However, we believe that, as of today, there is no potential for covert mobilization in Russia, and thus we should anticipate different political decisions from them, including those similar to recent developments regarding the Transnistrian region of Moldova.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has convened a security meeting to address the potential for Russian military operations from Belarus. The discussions included increasing Ukrainian military presence in strategic areas and expanding diplomatic measures against Belarus, amid concerns over Russian aggression.