Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is likely to deploy military forces in Belarus in the coming months, increasing pressure on NATO members, including Poland and the Baltic states.
Speaking after a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Zelenskyy stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is intent on prolonging the war and expanding its scope.
“With Putin’s ambitions and the actions we see today, it is evident that he has no intention of stopping this war. He will continue pushing forward, considering other countries as potential targets,” Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that this is not just rhetoric but a concrete strategy that will become evident in the near future.
According to the Ukrainian President, Russia is expected to position its forces in Belarus by spring, summer, or autumn, framing the move as a deterrent against NATO. “Many in Europe, and possibly the United States, will view this as an intimidation tactic targeting Poland, Lithuania, and other Baltic partners,” he stated.
Zelenskyy noted that while it remains unclear whether a direct invasion of these countries will occur, Belarus is already playing a role in the war. “After missile attacks launched from Belarusian territory, the country has already been involved in the war. However, its people and military have not yet fully engaged. Putin wants to change that,” he said.
He reiterated that Western nations should take proactive measures to prevent further escalation. “Supporting Ukraine is also part of defending your own security,” he told Lammy.
Earlier, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv to discuss bilateral security cooperation and announce an additional £55 million ($68.7 million) in financial aid to Ukraine.