Trending Now - Lukashenko Open to Meeting Zelensky Amid Ongoing Tensions

WHO:

Kyiv Post - Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are involved in the ongoing discussions.

UNIT24 Media - Ukrainian President’s Office and Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Dmytro Lytvyn are also mentioned.

WHAT:

Kyiv Post - Lukashenko stated he is ready to hold direct talks with Zelensky “at any point” in Ukraine or Belarus.

UNIT24 Media - Lukashenko warned that Belarus would officially join Russia’s war against Ukraine if Belarus is attacked first.

Kyiv Post - Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and Defense Forces launched large-scale security operations in northern regions bordering Russia and Belarus.

UNIT24 Media - Zelensky reported that Ukrainian intelligence has evidence that Russia is attempting to draw Belarus more directly into the war.

WHERE:

Kyiv Post - The talks could take place “anywhere” in Ukraine or Belarus.

UNIT24 Media - The security operations are occurring in northern regions bordering Russia and Belarus.

WHEN:

UNIT24 Media - The article mentions that the exchange of statements occurred on May 21.

WHY:

Kyiv Post - Lukashenko claimed there is “no need” for Belarusian involvement in Ukraine, stating that Belarus would only enter the war if attacked first.

UNIT24 Media - Zelensky expressed concerns that Russia is considering operational plans involving the deployment of forces from Belarusian territory.

HOW:

Kyiv Post - Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus does not intend to become directly involved in the war unless its territory is attacked.

UNIT24 Media - Zelensky instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify diplomatic pressure on Belarus alongside international partners.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 06:23 UTC)

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has expressed his willingness to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky “at any point” in either Ukraine or Belarus, while warning that Belarus would officially join Russia’s war against Ukraine if it is attacked first. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Security Service and Defense Forces are conducting large-scale security operations in the northern regions bordering Russia and Belarus, as Zelensky reported that Ukrainian intelligence has evidence of Russia's attempts to draw Belarus more directly into the conflict. In response to these developments, Zelensky has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to increase diplomatic pressure on Belarus in collaboration with international partners.