Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday accused Russia of trying to draw Belarus deeper into the war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy claimed Russia is considering operations from Belarusian territory toward Ukraine's Chernihiv-Kyiv direction or potentially against a NATO member state.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated that additional contacts have occurred between Russian officials and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, aimed at persuading him to join new Russian aggressive operations. Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine would 'undoubtedly' defend itself if Lukashenko decides to support Russia's plans. He instructed Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces to strengthen their posture and to develop a response plan, which will be reviewed and approved at an upcoming staff meeting.

Zelenskyy also claimed that Russia is preparing new missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, targeting so-called 'decision-making centers,' including political and military command sites. Ukraine has taken this information into account, with preparations underway for additional long-range sanctions against Russia over attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages. Zelenskyy vowed that strikes against Ukrainians 'will not go unpunished.'

He further highlighted that Ukraine's actions targeting Russia's oil industry, military production, and individuals accused of war crimes are having a significant impact.