Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that military activity in Belarus is increasing.
Zelensky said that according to intelligence data, roads are being built in the border areas of Belarus in the direction of Ukrainian territory and artillery positions are being prepared. He added: “We believe that Russia may once again try to drag Belarus into its war.”
In his speech, Zelensky mentioned “recent events” in Venezuela, when the United States arrested the leader of that country, Nicolas Maduro:
Instructions were given to use appropriate channels to warn the actual leadership of Belarus about Ukraine’s readiness to defend its territory and independence. The nature and consequences of recent events in Venezuela should serve as a warning to the Belarusian leadership not to make mistakes.
Alexander Lukashenko said he does not want war, but is ready to enter it if Ukraine attacks Belarus. At the same time, Zelensky said that Ukraine would not attack Belarusian territory. The Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly issued appeals (1, 2) to the population of Belarus, urging them not to participate in the large-scale invasion of the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian army also planted mines in the area near the Belarusian border.
US special forces kidnapped Nicolas Maduro and his wife from their residence in Caracas on the night of January 3. They were transferred to an American warship and then flown to New York. The US authorities accused the Venezuelan president of drug smuggling and weapons possession, and his wife of drug smuggling and accepting bribes.