Zelenskyy after Syrsky briefing: We believe Russia to try again to draw Belarus into its war
Russia will again try to draw Belarus into its war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after hearing a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky.
"According to intelligence data, road construction toward Ukrainian territory is under way in the Belarus border area, and artillery positions are being set up. We believe Russia will again try to draw Belarus into its war," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Friday.
He also said attempts had been recorded by the occupation contingent to regroup forces, most likely in order to compensate for a manpower shortage.
"In this connection, it is becoming more obvious why the armed forces have increased activity on the territory of Belarus," the president said.
Zelenskyy said he had instructed the relevant channels to warn the de facto leadership of Belarus that Ukraine is ready to defend its land and independence.
"The nature and consequences of the recent events in Venezuela should restrain the leadership of Belarus from making mistakes," he said.
At the same time, the head of state stressed that the pace of destroying the occupiers remains high in April.
"The Russians are failing to seize the initiative on the front line, and that is important," he said.
Zelenskyy also discussed further long-range operations with Syrsky.