Trending Now - Belarus Raises Alarm as Potential Base for Russian Assault on Ukraine

WHO:

AP News - Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled the nation for over three decades.

AP News - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of potential attacks from Belarus.

AP News - Vladyslav Vlasiuk is Ukraine’s presidential envoy on sanctions policy.

AP News - Uladzimir Zhyhar is the head of BELPOL, a group of former military and law enforcement officers opposing Lukashenko.

AP News - Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is Belarus’ opposition leader-in-exile.

WHAT:

AP News - Belarus has allowed Russia to use its territory to invade Ukraine over four years ago.

AP News - Belarus has not contributed troops to the battle but has supported Russia by hosting nuclear weapons and military infrastructure.

AP News - Belarusian industries have integrated into the Kremlin’s war machine, with over 500 plants involved in manufacturing weapons and ammunition.

AP News - Fragments of a ballistic missile fired by Russia at Ukraine on May 24 contained microchips from Belarus.

AP News - Belarus has hosted joint military drills with Russia, including nuclear forces.

AP News - Belarus has provided training grounds for Russian troops and offered hospitals for wounded soldiers.

AP News - Belarus has 48,600 armed forces, with a potential mobilization of 290,000 in case of war.

WHERE:

AP News - Belarus borders Ukraine, NATO members Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

AP News - The Gomel region in Belarus, which borders Ukraine, is constructing a large firing range and barracks for troops.

WHEN:

AP News - Russia announced that its Oreshnik missile system entered service in Belarus in December 2024.

AP News - Russia has used a conventionally armed version of the Oreshnik missile to strike Ukraine in November 2024, January, and earlier this month.

WHY:

AP News - Lukashenko relies on close ties with Russia and Kremlin subsidies to counteract Western sanctions.

AP News - Zelenskyy stated that intelligence services learned of Moscow's efforts to draw Belarus deeper into the war.

HOW:

AP News - Belarus has integrated its industries into the Kremlin’s military efforts, producing components like microchips and artillery munitions.

AP News - Belarus has hosted military drills that included the delivery of nuclear warheads and missile launch preparations.

(UPDATED May 31, 2026 13:21 UTC)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for over three decades, continues to support Russia's military efforts against Ukraine by allowing the Kremlin to use its territory and integrating its industries into the war machine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised concerns about potential attacks from Belarus, highlighting the ongoing military collaboration between the two nations, which includes joint drills and the hosting of Russian troops. Meanwhile, the Gomel region in Belarus is reportedly constructing a large firing range and barracks, further solidifying its role in the conflict.