President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia may be attempting to draw Belarus more directly into the war, following signs of heightened military readiness in Belarus.
On Telegram, Zelensky made remarks after receiving a briefing from Commander‑in‑Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, saying Russian forces have failed to regain the initiative despite continued assaults.
Ukrainian officials have detected attempts by Russian forces to regroup, likely to compensate for personnel shortages.
Increased military activity on Belarusian territory appears connected to these efforts, as intelligence reports indicate the construction of roads leading toward Ukraine and the establishment of artillery positions near the border.
This comes amid recent steps by Minsk that suggest heightened military readiness.
On Friday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree authorizing the conscription of reserve officers for military service, a move that would expand the country’s available manpower, according to Belarusian agency SB news.
Zelensky has instructed officials to warn Belarus’s leadership through appropriate channels that Ukraine is prepared to defend its territory and independence, saying Moscow may be seeking to involve Belarus more directly into the full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian officials said they are closely monitoring developments near the Belarusian border as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.