Putin and Lukashenko Hold Urgent Meeting After Zelenskyy's Ultimatum; Belarus Opposition Warns of War Involvement

An urgent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko is scheduled, signaling a potential regional escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin announced the upcoming talks, which will address, among other issues, an ultimatum recently issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

This development raises concerns about Belarus's potential direct involvement in the war. Opposition figures within Belarus have voiced warnings about the risks associated with such a move, highlighting the precarious geopolitical situation.

The context for this meeting appears to be the escalating tensions and the "unprecedented" nature of Zelenskyy's ultimatum, though the specifics of the ultimatum are not detailed in the provided text. The planned discussion between Putin and Lukashenko suggests a coordinated response or strategy formulation in light of these developments.

The article frames the situation as a risk of the war "acquiring a new dimension of regional escalation," underscoring the gravity of the impending talks and the broader implications for Eastern Europe.