Zelensky says Russia wants ballistic missiles in Belarus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Oct 17 that Russia places relays in Belarus to guide drones and wants Alexander Lukashenko's support to base ballistic weapons there.

"Certainly, placing ballistic weapons in Belarus would be a threat above all to the western part of our state."

— Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine

He called it the direct dragging of Belarus into the war, and said Ukraine will step up production of air-defence turrets.

Background

In June, Zelensky said relay equipment on Belarus's border was guiding attacks; in September, Ukraine's border service said the relays were back on.