Russian President Vladimir Putin heads to Belarus for an unusual visit, which raises concerns that he could encourage the ally nation to join a fresh operation against Ukraine.
Belarus has not taken an active part in the conflict, but it did let Russia use its ground as a launch pad for its invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
According to the Kremlin, Putin Belarus visit will be the first time in over three and a half years for what they are termed a "working visit" and meetings with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Officials in Ukraine have been sounding the alarm for months that Belarus may once again be used as a staging ground for an assault on the Ukrainian capital, per Reuters.
The Russian defense ministry was cited by the Russian Interfax news agency, which said that Russian soldiers that deployed to Belarus in October will perform military tactical drills. But that has not begun yet.
Foreshadowing a rare meeting this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is taking a combative stance despite rising worries that his country might be drawn into Russia's conflict in Ukraine.
Lukashenko Asserts Belarus' Independence
At a Friday conference in Minsk on Russia-Belarus cooperation, Lukashenko stressed the sovereignty of his nation and declared the crisis to be "escalating" as he got ready to meet with Putin on Monday.
Before the Putin Belarus Visit, Pres. Alexander Lukashenko shot down the rumor that Russians are already "running" the nation, according to The Hill.
"I would like to emphasize this feature once again: no one, except us, governs Belarus," Lukashenko said, according to remarks published by the presidential press service. He also noted that, as a sovereign nation, Belarus must always act independently.
A statement from the Kremlin stated that the two leaders will be discussing key factors of their alliance as well as other international and regional concerns.
According to the Belarusian presidential press office, President Lukashenko announced last week that military and security issues in the area will be discussed alongside the economy.
Concerns that Vladimir Putin's ally, Belarus, might send soldiers to the battle were reignited in October when the country joined Russia in joint military maneuvers, including the deployment of hundreds of troops.
However, Lukashenko has not yet joined the fight on the side of the allies, despite Ukrainian authorities' warnings that Russia is increasing its attempts to ensnare its neighbor in the conflict.
Lukashenko justified his regular talks with Vladimir Putin and Russian authorities at the meeting held on Friday in Minsk, saying that such gatherings are necessary for coordinating and responding to "tactical concerns," such as economic sanctions from the West.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that Moscow is a close ally and that Belarus would "never be adversaries" with Russia.
Ukraine Closely Monitoring Its Borders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the country was ready to fight against any attack from Russia and its ally Belarus.
Kyiv officials have been sounding the alarm for months now, voicing concerns that Russia and Belarus may build a second front in the conflict by using Belarus as a staging area for a fresh offensive, CNA reported.
After a meeting of Ukraine's highest military command on Sunday, Zelenskyy said, "Protecting our border, both with Russia and Belarus - is our constant priority."
Zelenskyy said that Russia's attempts to convince Alexander Lukashenko to do anything for them in the Russia-Ukraine war would be fruitless.
Kyiv and its environs came under assault again on Monday morning, with the military administration of the Ukrainian capital claiming that nine Iranian-made Shahed drones were shot down in Kyiv's airspace.
Governor Oleksiy Kuleba of the Kyiv region said on Telegram that air defense systems are active in the area. He also told his people to find a safe place and stay there until the warning was over.
After weeks of Russian air assaults on Ukraine's electricity network during a cold winter, Zelenskyy called on Western countries to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses on Sunday.
