President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is preparing both military and diplomatic steps in response to concerns that Belarus could support or enable a renewed Russian offensive toward Kyiv and Chernihiv. Zelensky states that Ukraine is reinforcing its northern regions, including increasing troop deployments to strengthen defenses near the capital. He also says Ukraine is taking diplomatic measures aimed at deterring Minsk from joining Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president links the preparations to risk assessments about possible Russian actions involving Belarus from the north. Kyiv frames the effort as a readiness posture: reinforcing positions while simultaneously seeking to raise diplomatic pressure on Belarus to prevent it from deeper involvement.
Both outlets report that Zelensky’s remarks emphasize immediate contingency planning, combining deterrence through increased defense capability in northern areas with diplomatic engagement intended to reduce the likelihood of Belarus participating in an offensive. The accounts do not provide details on any confirmed Belarus or Russian troop movements at the time of the statements.
