Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a fresh warning to Ukraine’s allies and neighbouring countries, stating that Russia is “preparing something” in Belarus under the cover of military exercises. Speaking during the Three Seas Summit, Zelenskyy emphasised that this is a familiar strategy used by the Russian dictatorship before launching attacks and that countries bordering Russia must remain alert and united.
Zelenskyy stressed that all of Europe, especially nations near Russia, should respond with one voice. He made it clear that the end of the war must come without rewarding the Russian dictatorship with land or concessions. He also called for greater pressure to be placed on Russia from across the international community and urged leaders to push for a full and unconditional ceasefire, even if temporary. According to Zelenskyy, such efforts could create space for real diplomacy to begin.
He went on to highlight the importance of continued investment in Ukraine’s defence sector, promising that these efforts will benefit not only Ukraine but all countries supporting its sovereignty. While he did not specify where Russia may be planning to strike next, he raised concerns about possible threats to Ukraine, Lithuania or Poland, calling on all relevant institutions to prepare for any scenario.
Poland has already responded to growing concerns by introducing new surveillance technology along the Belarusian border, including electronic barriers across rivers to detect any irregular activity. This comes amid fears that Russia may once again use Belarus as a springboard for military aggression, as it did at the start of its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
