Photo: facebook.com_zelenskyy.official
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has developed five possible scenarios for expanding the war through northern Ukraine, particularly along the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction, and warned that Ukraine is strengthening its defenses in response.
According to Zelensky, the issue was discussed during a meeting of Ukraine’s military command staff, where intelligence assessments regarding potential Russian offensive operations from the north were reviewed.
“Ukraine will definitely defend itself, and our task now is to strengthen the state so that none of the five Russian scenarios for expanding the war through northern Ukraine can succeed,” Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine is preparing responses for every possible course of action should Russia attempt to escalate the conflict in that direction. Ukrainian forces deployed in the area are expected to be reinforced.
Zelensky also said he instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to prepare additional diplomatic measures regarding Belarus, which Russia could potentially use as a staging ground for further aggression. He noted that Ukrainian intelligence agencies have also received non-public assignments related to the threat.
The statement comes amid growing concerns over closer military coordination between Russia and Belarus. On May 18, Belarus launched joint exercises with Russia involving units responsible for the combat use and logistical support of nuclear weapons.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War believe the Kremlin is using the drills to pressure Ukraine’s allies and distract attention from setbacks on the battlefield.
