Zelensky says “nothing powerful” at Belarus’ border but let’s be ready

January 11, BPN. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine must be ready to defend its north-western areas, although the situation there is not critical.

“We understand that, except for powerful statements, we see nothing powerful there, but we must be ready both at the border and in the regions,” he told a defense meeting in Lviv, as quoted by his press office on January 11.

One of the meeting’s key themes was the operational environment at the Belarusian border and counter-sabotage measures in these areas. Zelenskyy was told about border fortification activities and material support of border guards and soldiers.

Russia has repeatedly struck Ukraine from Belarusian territory, where it has a growing military presence. It used Belarus as a launchpad for its February 2022 offensive on Kyiv. At the same time, Belarus says its troops are not directly involved in hostilities in Ukraine.