Zelensky says Russia is considering plans to attack NATO country from Belarus

“We continue to document Russia's efforts to draw Belarus deeper into the fight against Ukraine” ) said Zelensky on the “Telegram” after a meeting with military and intelligence officials, news agency reported. “.

He said Ukraine has data on additional contacts between Russia and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, to convince it to join the new, more aggressive “Russian operations”.

“Russia is looking into plans for operations south and north of Belarus territory whether against Chernihiv direction in Ukraine or against one of the NATO countries directly from Belarus territory” he said, without providing further details.

Belarus borders Ukraine in the south, while with NATO countries -- with Poland in the West, with Lithuania in northwest and Latvia in the north.

There were no immediate responses from Moscow or Minsk to Zelensky's comments. Russia does not reveal its military plans in Ukraine, as they are classified as state secrets.

Lukashenko, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest allies, allowed his country's territory to be used for part of Russian operations in February 2022 against Ukraine, even though he has not sent Belarusian troops to fight there.

Belarus has agreed to allow the disposal of nuclear tactical weapons and hypersonic missiles “Osresnik” from Russia on its territory.

Zelensky said last month that Ukraine had intelligence data that Russia was making preparations showing it would try again to include Belarus in its fight against Ukraine.

“Ukrainian will undoubtedly protect itself and its people if Alexander Lukshashenko takes the wrong path and decides to support this Russian goal” ) he said.

The Ukrainian president said he has instructed defence forces to prepare a retort plan and strengthen defence in northern regions, Chernihiv and Kiev.