Zelenskyy visits northern Ukraine, warns Belarus of consequences for aggression
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Slavutych in northern Ukraine on 21 May and met with leaders of hromadas from Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts to discuss fortifications and border protection. Zelenskyy warned that Belarus must understand there will be consequences if it takes aggressive actions against Ukraine, noting that Russia's 2022 invasion was launched from Belarusian territory. The prime minister and other government officials also participated in the meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Slavutych in northern Ukraine on 21 May and met with leaders of hromadas from Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts to discuss fortifications and additional measures to strengthen the border, as Russia continues efforts to draw Belarus further into the war.
"We have the capability to strengthen our defences, and we also have the capability to act preventively regarding Russian territory, from which threats may emerge, and regarding the de facto leadership of Belarus, which must remain alert – that is, it must clearly understand that there will be consequences if aggressive actions are taken against Ukraine and our people," Zelenskyy said in an address on 21 May.
The prime minister and other government officials also took part in the meeting with the hromada heads. Zelenskyy underscored that Ukraine remembers the 2022 invasion was launched from Belarusian territory. "We will not forget that," he said. "Ukraine's defence forces, security services and intelligence agencies understand the threats and know how to respond – to respond fairly, without a doubt."
Zelenskyy's visit to Slavutych, a city in the north of the country, came amid persistent Russian efforts to draw Belarus into the war. The discussions with regional leaders focused on fortifications and border protection, with Zelenskyy noting the importance of supporting people in the northern regions and strengthening protection there.