Zelensky Warns Lukashenko 'Will Pay' for Belarus's Role in 2022 Russia Invasion

Zelensky's Direct Warning to Belarusian Leader

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has delivered a forceful message to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, asserting that Lukashenko 'will pay' for Belarus's role in facilitating Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The warning came during a briefing in Kyiv on Friday, November 7, 2025, where Zelensky explicitly rejected Lukashenko's recent overtures of sympathy towards Ukrainians.

Zelensky's remarks underscore Ukraine's unwavering stance that Belarus is a participant in the aggression, not a neutral party. He stated, 'Lukashenko should not forget. Now he has become very talkative in the media and tries to show how kind he is to our people. We did not need his kindness at four in the morning when the rockets arrived.' The Ukrainian President emphasized that the start of the full-scale war came from Belarusian territory, a fact that 'nobody will forget.'

Belarus's Role as a Staging Ground for Invasion

In the lead-up to and during the initial phase of the 2022 invasion, Belarus, a close ally of Russia, played a critical role. Weeks-long military drills, dubbed 'Allied Resolve 2022,' were conducted on Belarusian territory, allowing Russia to amass troops and equipment near the Ukrainian border.

Key aspects of Belarus's involvement included:

• Providing its territory as a staging ground for Russian forces, offering the shortest land route to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv.
• Allowing Russian missile launchers to be stationed on its soil and used to fire at Ukrainian targets.
• Facilitating the movement of Russian troops and military equipment into Ukraine.
• Offering logistical and military medical support to Russian forces.

While Belarusian troops did not officially engage in direct combat, the country's infrastructure and territory were integral to Russia's initial offensive.

Lukashenko's Shifting Narrative and International Condemnation

Alexander Lukashenko has offered varying accounts of Belarus's involvement. Initially, he denied direct participation, but later admitted that Russian forces had invaded Ukraine from Belarusian territory in February 2022. In a phone call with Zelensky shortly after the invasion, Lukashenko reportedly apologized for Russian missiles being launched from Belarus, claiming he was 'not in charge' of these strikes. More recently, Lukashenko has attempted to portray sympathy for Ukrainians, even inviting them to work in Belarus.

Despite these claims, international bodies and observers have largely viewed Belarus as a co-belligerent in the conflict. This designation has led to significant consequences, including economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, similar to those imposed on Russia. The ongoing presence of Russian military assets and joint exercises in Belarus continues to raise concerns among Ukraine and its allies.

Lasting Impact on Bilateral Relations

Zelensky's recent statements underscore the deep and lasting damage inflicted upon Ukraine-Belarus relations due to Minsk's support for the Russian invasion. Ukraine has consistently refused to consider Belarus as a neutral venue for any peace negotiations with Russia, citing its complicity in the aggression. The Ukrainian leadership maintains that Belarus's actions have irrevocably altered its standing and that accountability for its role remains a priority.