Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in his evening speech that he wants his country’s defenses to be strengthened on the border with Belarus, a close ally of Russia, which invaded Ukrainian territory in February 2022.

Speaking from a castle in the old city of Lutsk – 150 kilometers from the border – Mr Zelenskiy made it a priority to strengthen defense positions in all sectors of Ukraine’s northern border.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine (and) from the territory of Belarus when the war broke out. Thousands of Russian military personnel are stationed on Belarusian soil preparing for operations, while Russian fighter jets and other aircraft frequently use Belarusian airfields.

Experts call it unlikely that a new Russian attack will be attempted from the territory of Belarus, but Kiev is far from trusting Minsk.

In his speech, Mr. Zelensky once again thanked his soldiers for what he described as their successes on the fronts.

The Ukrainian army assures that its forces are advancing in the counter-offensive that began about a month ago with the aim of liberating territories occupied by the Russian armed forces. Moscow counters that the Ukrainian attacks are being repelled.