Zelensky: the russians are preparing new strikes on “decision-making centers” and are once again trying to drag Belarus into the war

“Today I held a meeting with the heads of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Security Service of Ukraine. Three key areas were discussed. First — we are determining targets for our further long-range sanctions against russia for this war and the strikes against our cities and villages. Ukraine will not leave without consequences for the aggressor any of the strikes that take the lives of our people. We are responding quite justly against the russian oil industry, military production, and the individuals who directly commit war crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians. I am grateful to our warriors for their dedication to defending Ukrainian interests and to all Ukrainian structures involved — for developing a truly strong system of our long-range sanctions. This is something tangible”, - the President of Ukraine reported.

He also stated that the russians are now going to try once again to involve Belarus more deeply in the war against Ukraine.

“Second — we continue to record russian attempts to further drag Belarus into the war against Ukraine. We know that additional contacts took place between the russians and Alexander Lukashenko, aimed at convincing him to join new russian aggressive operations. In particular, russia is considering operational plans in directions to the south and north from the territory of Belarus — either against the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction in Ukraine or against one of the NATO countries — specifically from Belarusian territory. Ukraine possesses details of the conversation between russia and Belarus. Ukraine will undoubtedly defend itself and its people if Alexander Lukashenko makes the mistake of deciding to support this russian intention as well. I instructed our Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine to strengthen the relevant direction and present a response plan that will be reviewed and approved at the Staff meeting”, - the head of state reported.

“Third — specialists of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense obtained documents indicating preparations by the russians for new missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, in particular, as they state, against ‘decision-making centers’. Among them are nearly two dozen political centers and military facilities. Of course, we have taken this information into account. But it is worth noting specifically for the russian leadership that Ukraine is still not russia, and unlike the aggressor state, where there is a clear author of this war and his long-time entourage ensuring his detachment from reality, the source of Ukraine’s defense is the willingness of the Ukrainian people to fight for their independence and their own sovereign state. Ukrainians deserve their sovereignty just like any other nation. A people cannot be defeated. Russia must end its war and negotiate a dignified peace instead of looking for new ways to intimidate Ukraine...”, - Zelensky concluded.