President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would strengthen defenses in its northern regions due to potential threats from Belarus and Russia’s Bryansk region. He also warned of consequences if aggressive actions are taken against Ukraine.
In his evening address, Zelenskyy said he met with local leaders from Kyiv and Chernihiv regions during a visit to the northern city of Slavutych.
The president said Ukraine would reinforce fortifications, border protection and air defense systems along the northern direction.
“We have the capability to strengthen our defenses, and we also have the capability to act preventively regarding Russian territories — threats may come from there — and regarding the de facto leadership of Belarus, which should stay alert,” Zelenskyy said.
He also reminded that Russia’s invasion in 2022 included attacks launched from Belarusian territory.
“We will not forget this. Ukraine’s Defense Forces, security services and intelligence agencies understand the threats and know how to respond,” the president said.
Zelenskyy added that the defense minister had been instructed to allocate additional equipment to strengthen air defenses in the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction.
The president also thanked Ukrainian forces and the Security Service of Ukraine for strikes on Russian infrastructure, including a reported attack on the Syzran oil refinery located about 800 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.
“Each of our long-range sanctions is an argument for others not to get involved in this war,” Zelenskyy said.
He also announced upcoming talks with E3 partners aimed at increasing pressure on Russia through diplomacy.
Earlier, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that nuclear munitions had been delivered to field storage facilities in Belarus as part of nuclear force drills. Belarusian authorities also announced large-scale exercises involving the combat use of nuclear weapons.
