As Deutschlandfunk reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned the neighboring country Belarus against participating in the war on Russia's side. In a recent statement, Zelenskyy pointed out that such participation could have serious consequences for Belarus. The Ukrainian president emphasized that his country respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all neighboring states but clearly rejects any form of support for Russian aggression.
According to Deutschlandfunk, Zelenskyy's warning was directed directly at the political leadership in Minsk. The Ukrainian president called on Belarus not to be drawn into the conflict and instead to maintain a neutral position. Zelenskyy referred to the existing military cooperation between Belarus and Russia, which has been intensifying for years. This cooperation includes, among other things, joint military exercises and the stationing of Russian troops on Belarusian territory.
According to Deutschlandfunk, Zelenskyy expressed concern that Belarus could be used as a staging area for further Russian attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian president warned that active participation in the war would isolate Belarus internationally and weaken it economically. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is prepared to continue its defense struggle but also pointed to the possibility of diplomatic solutions.
As Deutschlandfunk further reports, the Ukrainian government has repeatedly warned in the past about possible Belarusian participation in the war. Relations between Ukraine and Belarus have been strained since the start of the Russian war of aggression. Belarus is viewed by the Ukrainian side as a potential threat because the country is closely linked to Russia and has already provided logistical support for Russian military operations.
According to information from Deutschlandfunk, the Belarusian government initially did not respond publicly to Zelenskyy's warnings. Belarus has repeatedly emphasized that it is not directly involved in the conflict but supports Russia's position politically and economically. The Belarusian leadership under President Alexander Lukashenko faces international criticism for tolerating Russian military activities on its territory.
Deutschlandfunk reports that in his statement, Zelenskyy also called on the international community to increase pressure on Belarus to prevent further escalation of the conflict. The Ukrainian president demanded concrete measures to deter Belarus from participating in the war. At the same time, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine's determination to defend its territory against any aggression.
As Deutschlandfunk concludes, the situation on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border remains tense.
