Kremlin Denounces Zelenskyy's Threats Against Belarus Over Russian Military Support

The Kremlin has denounced threats made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy against Belarus, characterizing them as "absolutely aggressive" and an "interference in the internal affairs of another country and a violation of its sovereignty." The accusations stem from Zelenskyy's warning to Minsk regarding military equipment stationed on the border between Ukraine and Belarus.

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These threats are absolutely aggressive, an interference in the internal affairs of another country and a violation of its sovereignty.

Zelenskyy issued a one-week ultimatum for Belarus to remove the equipment, which he claims is used to support and correct Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian territory. He stated that if Belarus fails to comply, Ukraine would take action itself. Zelenskyy also suggested that Russia is pressuring Belarus to fully enter the war against Ukraine, which began in 2022.

This situation arises amidst ongoing tensions and military activities along the shared border. Previously, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had asserted that Moscow had no plans to involve his country in the Ukraine conflict, arguing that Belarus's participation would cause more harm than good. Lukashenko's statements aimed to reassure that Belarus would not be a direct combatant in the war.

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In your territory, along the two regions bordering Ukraine, there is equipment that adjusts the (Russian airstrikes) on our people. It should be removed (...) If he does not do it, we will do it.

However, Zelenskyy's recent warning implies a different perspective from the Ukrainian side, viewing the presence of Belarusian-based equipment as a direct threat. He indicated that Ukrainian soldiers are aware of the potential targets within Belarus, citing that "500 objectives" have been marked in Belarusian territory, potentially including vital infrastructure, logistics, and production facilities.

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Our soldiers have Belarus in the palm of their hand. We are aware that our main vital, logistical and production infrastructures would be targeted. As they reported, they have marked 500 objectives in Belarusian territory.