Zelenskiy warns Belarus against joining Russia’s war on Ukraine

In Short:
– President Zelenskiy warns of potential Russian military use of Belarus against Ukraine.
– Ukraine is strengthening its defences and monitoring Belarus’s military readiness.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed concerns regarding possible Russian military involvement from Belarus in the ongoing conflict.Zelenskiy stated that Ukrainian intelligence suggests Belarus is enhancing its military readiness along the Ukrainian border.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi delivered his report. First of all, regarding the front line – I am grateful to all our units that are holding their positions and repelling Russian assaults. The high pace of eliminating occupiers continues in April. The Russians are not…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 17, 2026

Zelenskiy warning

He warned that Russia may repeat its strategy of using Belarusian territory in its military operations and Zelenskiy has directed measures to alert Belarusian authorities about Ukraine’s readiness to defend its sovereignty.

He also referenced the situation in Venezuela, cautioning Belarus’s leadership to learn from those events.

In January, U.S. military forces captured Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, who is currently facing serious charges.

It comes as a significant fire erupted at an oil terminal in southern Russia’s Krasnodar region.

The emergency response involved 224 firefighters and numerous fire engines.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unclear as per local emergency services.

Ukrainian military leader Oleksandr Syskyi indicated that Ukraine is intensifying strikes aimed at diminishing Russian military capacity.

In March, Ukrainian forces targeted 76 military and industrial facilities, including key oil-refining sites.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue military preparations and activities.