Zelenskiy says Ukraine ready for maritime truce and puts onus on Russia to respond

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has warned that Russia could potentially use Belarusian territory to launch new attacks against Ukraine. Speaking to Ukrinform at the UN General Assembly in New York, Tsikhanouskaya stated that Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko would be "very happy" to provide territory, logistics, and infrastructure to assist Russia in achieving its goals.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently expressed concerns that Russia might initiate a new front against northern Ukraine and attempt to draw Belarus further into the conflict. Lukashenko, who previously allowed Russian forces to utilize Belarusian territory during the 2022 Kyiv offensive, denied such plans and suggested a meeting with Zelensky in Belarus or Ukraine.

Tsikhanouskaya pointed out that Belarusian infrastructure is currently being exploited for Russian drone operations, including logistics and equipment for directing drones. She also mentioned that Belarus is installing repeaters along its borders with Ukraine and European Union nations, which could potentially facilitate future Russian attacks or provocations.

Tsikhanouskaya highlighted that Lukashenko has financially benefited from Russia's war, with over 500 Belarusian companies producing components for the Russian military, supplying petroleum products to Russia, and aiding Moscow in circumventing sanctions. She also revealed Belarus's cooperation with the Russian online retailer Wildberries, stating that Belarus is developing warehouses for the company, which has become a target of Ukraine's drone campaign.

Zelensky alleged that some of the targeted Wildberries logistics facilities were being used to supply the Russian military, including navigation equipment and drone production components. Tsikhanouskaya suggested that Lukashenko would prefer a weakened Russia, as a weaker President Vladimir Putin would reduce support for the Belarusian regime.

In recent weeks, Belarus conducted military exercises near its borders with Poland and Lithuania, describing the drills as defensive and aimed at enhancing the military's ability to protect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, Belarus is constructing new railway infrastructure in the southern Gomel Oblast capable of accommodating military trains carrying personnel and heavy equipment.