Zelensky Warns of Russian Effort to Pull Belarus Into War

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia may seek to draw Belarus into the war, citing military activity near the Ukrainian border amid new conscription measures in Minsk. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko attends a meeting with Russian president on the sideline of the informal summit of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) leaders in Saint Petersburg on December 21, 2025. (Photo by Alexander KAZAKOV / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia may be attempting to draw Belarus more directly into the war , following signs of heightened military readiness in Belarus. On Telegram , Zelensky made remarks after receiving a briefing from Commander‑in‑Chief Oleksandr Syrsky , saying Russian forces have failed to regain the initiative despite continued assaults . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Ukrainian officials have detected attempts by Russian forces to regroup, likely to compensate for personnel shortages.  Increased military activity on Belarusian territory appears connected to these efforts, as intelligence reports indicate the construction of roads leading toward Ukraine and the establishment of artillery positions near the border. This comes amid recent steps by Minsk that suggest heightened military readiness. On Friday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree authorizing the conscription of reserve officers for military service, a move that would expand the country’s available manpower, according to Belarusian agency SB news . Zelensky has instructed officials to warn Belarus’s leadership through appropriate channels that Ukraine is prepared to defend its territory and independence, saying Moscow may be seeking to involve Belarus more directly into the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian officials said they are closely monitoring developments near the Belarusian border as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. Other Topics of Interest Creditors Agree to Postpone Ukraine’s Debt Payments Until 2030 Ukraine and its G7 and Paris Club creditors agreed to defer state and state-guaranteed debt payments until 2030. To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send Veronika Sukhanych Veronika Sukhanych is a political analyst with a foundation in governance, legal research, and international policy. Kyiv-born and educated in comparative politics, her background includes research on global financial institutions, responsible AI governance, and security policy.