Zelenskyy Warns Russia Is Trying to Drag Belarus Into War

Zelenskyy Warns Belarus Against Russian Pressure Amid Ukraine Conflict President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is attempting once again to draw Belarus into the war against Ukraine, urging Minsk to resist pressure from Moscow. His remarks came amid growing concerns over increased Russian military activity near the Belarusian border and reports of infrastructure developments suggesting preparations for potential escalation. Zelenskyy specifically referenced statements from Russian officials and movements of troops and equipment that indicate efforts to involve Belarus directly in hostilities. He emphasized that any such move would not only deepen the conflict but also carry serious consequences for regional stability. The Ukrainian leader also pointed to recent actions by Belarusian authorities, including the construction of roads and artillery positions near Ukraine’s border, which he described as alarming signs of coordination with Russian forces. These developments, he said, underscore the necessitate for vigilance among neighboring states and international partners. He drew a comparison between the current situation and past warnings issued to other regional actors, stressing that sovereignty and neutrality must be upheld. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s position that it seeks only to defend its territory and will not tolerate external attempts to expand the war through third countries. His comments were made during a series of interviews with Czech, Slovak and Belarusian-language media outlets, where he addressed both the immediate military situation and broader geopolitical risks. He urged Belarus to consider the long-term implications of aligning more closely with Russia’s war effort, warning that such a path could isolate Minsk internationally and invite further scrutiny. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels continuing to monitor movements along the Ukraine-Belarus frontier. Analysts note that while Belarus has so far avoided direct combat involvement, its role as a logistical base for Russian forces has already drawn criticism from Kyiv and Western governments.