Zelenskyy to Belarus: Don’t get drawn into the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the people of neighboring Belarus not to be drawn into Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. “The Kremlin has already decided everything for you,” he said in his evening video address on Sunday with a view of Moscow. “But you are not slaves and cannon fodder. You must not die.” People should not let others decide for Belarus.

Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko met with Russian President Vladimir Putin once more on Saturday. The Kremlin chief announced the delivery of Iskander-M missile systems to Belarus, which can also be equipped with nuclear warheads. According to the latest information from Kyiv, Russian troops recently also attacked Ukraine from Belarus. The country is a close ally of Russia.

“I know that the people of Belarus support us, only us, not the war. And that’s why the Russian leadership wants to drag them into a war,” said Zelenskyy.

At the same time, with a view to Russian attacks, he once more called for more weapons. Any delay in arms deliveries to Ukraine is an invitation to Russia to strike once more. “We need powerful air defense – modern, effective.” There are already agreements with partners, but they have to move faster.