Ukraine Warns Russia May Use Belarus as Launchpad for New Attack
Ukraine says Belarus has helped Russia’s war effort with more than 500 industrial plants, drills and weapons support, and could be used for new attacks.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned last week that Moscow has intensified efforts to draw Belarus into the war, potentially using it as a launchpad for renewed aggression against northern Ukraine or NATO neighbors.
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko allowed Russia to use his territory to invade Ukraine in 2022, and the Kremlin has since integrated Belarusian industries into its war machine, including hosting tactical nuclear weapons.
- BELPOL head Uladzimir Zhyhar reported construction of a large firing range near the Ukrainian border, while Minsk-based military analyst Alexander Alesin noted the Belarusian army remains "unfit for offensive action" with 48,600 troops.
- French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Lukashenko on May 24 to underscore war risks, while Ukraine Border Guard Service spokesman Andrii Demchenko said forces have not yet spotted significant troop buildups near the border.
- Belarus opposition leader-in-exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that Belarus "must never again become a springboard for aggression," while Russia retains control of nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus under its strategic nuclear umbrella.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Concerns mount that Belarus could be a launchpad for a new Russian off
Over four years ago, Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko allowed longtime ally Russia to use his territory to invade Ukraine . Now officials in Kyiv are warning that Lukashenko could again allow his land to serve as a launchpad for more attacks by the Kremlin’s forces. While Belarus has not contributed troops to battle, Lukashenko has backed President Vladimir Putin’s war effort by hosting Russia’s nuclear weapons and military …
Associated Press News
Concerns mount that Belarus could be a launchpad for a new Russian offensive in Ukraine
More than four years ago, Belarus allowed Russia to use its territory to invade Ukraine. Now officials in Kyiv warn that Belarus may again provide a launchpad for a new Russian attack.
Russia may again try to use the territory of Belarus for pressure or attacks against Ukraine. Kyiv warns of increased Kremlin influence on Minsk, although there are no signs of forming a strike group near the border.
Increasing military cooperation between Russia and Belarus is raising concerns in Ukraine and its allies that Moscow may use Belarusian territory to launch new attacks in the future.
Just days after Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko announced that Minsk was preparing for war, he was dealt an absolute trump card. Russia has moved part of its nuclear arsenal into the country. Now the Belarusian opposition is warning against dragging the country into the war in Ukraine, and Ukraine is preparing for an attack from the north as a real scenario.
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