The Ukrainian military command is preparing for a possible Russian offensive on the Chernihiv–Kyiv axis, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said after a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff on Wednesday.
“We thoroughly analyzed available intelligence from our services regarding Russian planning of offensive operations on the Chernihiv–Kyiv axis. For each possible scenario of enemy actions, we are preparing responses in case the Russians truly dare to expand their aggression. Our forces in this direction will be reinforced,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
In addition, the president instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare additional diplomatic pressure measures regarding Belarus, which may be used by Russia for such an expansion of the war.
“There are also non-public tasks assigned to Ukrainian intelligence services,” the president added.
As previously reported, on May 15, President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a meeting with the military command that Ukrainian intelligence continues to record Russian attempts to involve Belarus more deeply in the war against Ukraine.
“Russia is considering operational plans in the south and north of Belarusian territory — either against the Chernihiv–Kyiv axis in Ukraine, or against one of the NATO countries — from Belarusian territory,” he said, adding that Ukraine is aware of details of communications between Russia and Belarus and will defend itself if Alexander Lukashenko decides to support this Russian intention.
It is also known that Russia and Belarus are preparing joint exercises involving nuclear strike drills.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed the threat of front expansion, noting that the Russian General Staff is actively calculating and planning offensive operations from the north.
