Zelensky Warns: Putin Plans to Involve Belarus in Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram on 18 April 2026 that intelligence indicates Russia is preparing to use Belarusian territory. He warned Kyiv expects renewed efforts to involve Belarus in the conflict.
Intelligence and activity on the Belarus border
Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, provided the intelligence summary. It reported road construction and new artillery positions near the Belarus-Ukraine border.
Zelensky said the movements suggest Russia is regrouping to offset personnel shortages. He added Ukraine has warned Belarusian leaders of its readiness to defend national territory and independence.
Claims about wider threats in Europe
The Russian military published a list of 23 European and UK sites it named as supporting Ukrainian drone production. Dmitry Medvedev, now head of Russia’s security council, issued public warnings to Britain and European states.
The list alleges those sites are subsidiaries or component manufacturers linked to Ukraine’s drone capabilities. Western officials have yet to verify the full accuracy of the roster.
Maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz
Zelensky urged a joint mission to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He made the call during a video conference attended by 50 countries and chaired by France and Britain.
He said four years of the Ukraine-Russia conflict gave Kyiv practical experience. Ukraine has escorted merchant ships, carried out demining, defended against air attacks, and coordinated maritime operations.
Zelensky also noted Ukraine has shared expertise in countering Russian-designed drones across the Middle East. Kyiv has signed security pacts with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, and is in talks with Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Related regional developments
A large fire erupted at an oil terminal in Tikhoretsk in Russia’s Krasnodar region. Authorities said 224 firefighters and 56 vehicles battled the blaze and no casualties were reported.
Satellite imagery showed smoke over Russian oil facilities after reported drone attacks near Tuapse on 16 April. Ukraine’s commander said strikes in March hit 76 military and industrial targets, including 15 oil-refining sites.
Separately, Serbia’s NIS secured a 60-day US sanctions waiver to keep importing crude oil while a sale to Hungary’s MOL proceeds. OFAC set a 22 May deadline for the ownership transfer tied to the waiver conditions.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor further statements and developments regarding Zelensky warns, Putin plans to involve Belarus, and the wider Ukraine-Russia conflict.
