Zelenskyy's claim: 'Russia will drag Belarus into the war'; will they attack the Baltic states?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he believes Belarus could be drawn into the war. Claiming that North Korean soldiers fighting against the Ukrainian army have begun to desert the front lines, Zelenskyy stated that the Russian army could launch an operation against Kyiv and the Baltic states via Belarusian territory.

According to a written statement from the Ukrainian Presidency, Zelenskyy met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is in Kyiv for official talks. During the bilateral meeting held at the Presidential Office, developments regarding the Russia-Ukraine War were discussed.

During the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked the UK for the aid provided to his country and drew attention to the importance of the '100-Year Partnership' agreement signed between Ukraine and the UK in January. The parties also discussed in detail the strengthening of sanctions against the Russian Federation, particularly in the oil and defense industries, and the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.

British Foreign Secretary Lammy underscored that they would continue to support Ukraine and stated the following:

''Our view is that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not want to enter into any negotiations for now. Therefore, we continue to help you as much as we can while you fight in this terrible war, and we encourage our other partners to do the same.''

Touching upon the efforts to implement the '100-Year Partnership' agreement, Lammy said that the agreement envisions the UK further advancing its military, humanitarian, and economic cooperation with Ukraine during and after the war period.

The statement also noted that the UK would allocate 2 billion pounds in funding to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, adding, 'The relevant agreement between the governments was approved by the Ukrainian Rada (Parliament) yesterday.'

UKRAINE'S KURSK OFFENSIVE

Following the meetings, Zelenskyy answered journalists' questions and spoke about the steps needed to end the war. Reminding that the Ukrainian army launched an offensive into Russia's Kursk region 6 months ago and captured some settlements, Zelenskyy explained that the attack on this region is of great importance for potential future negotiations with Russia.

Zelenskyy stated the following:

''It is a very important operation. When we reach a diplomatic agreement to end the war, you will see what conditions the Russians will impose on Ukraine regarding the Kursk direction. This was a very important step.''

Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued that it is impossible for the Russian army to retake the settlements under Ukrainian control in this region in the coming period. Referring to the North Korean soldiers fighting against his country, Zelenskyy noted that they are trying to leave the front, saying, 'The Koreans (North Koreans) are running away from them, we can see this.'

Stating that Putin wants to continue the war and may attempt provocations against Poland or the Baltic states via Belarus in this direction, Zelenskyy alleged the following:

''You will see, (Russia) will deploy its forces to Belarusian territory in the spring, summer, or autumn. I don't know if there will be an attack, but in any case, it will drag Belarus into a war.''