At Kyiv Summit with Tsikhanouskaya, Zelenskyy Fires Back at Lukashenko

Kyiv Hosts Cities and Regions Summit

According to ХВИЛЯ: During the Cities and Regions Summit held in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a pointed response to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko’s call for a meeting between heads of state. A key moment of the event was the presence of Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, marking the first time Belarusian representatives participated in such a forum format. This summit gathered mayors and regional leaders to discuss cooperation and security challenges.

Zelenskyy voiced serious concerns about Russia’s efforts to drag Belarus into the war against Ukraine. He stated that Moscow is threatening not only Ukraine but also other nations, including the Baltic states, Finland, Moldova, and Poland.

'They are again threatening us with strikes, again refusing genuine diplomacy, and trying to pull Belarus deeper into the war. They are also threatening the Baltic states, Finland, Moldova, and Poland,' the president emphasized.

Delegations and Key Priorities

The summit brought together delegations from:

• Poland
• France
• Austria
• Romania
• Norway
• Germany
• the Baltic states
• Hungary

Zelenskyy specifically welcomed the mayor of Budapest and underscored that air defense for Ukraine is the top priority. He also urged international partners to take concrete action in supporting Ukrainian communities.

This summit highlights the critical role of international backing for Ukraine amid Russian aggression and its influence over Belarus. The inclusion of Belarusian opposition figures in such discussions may signal a shift in regional dynamics and open new avenues for cooperation among countries opposing aggression. Zelenskyy’s warnings about Russian threats further underline the need for united efforts to ensure security across Europe.

As the situation in the region continues to evolve, Zelenskyy's statements reflect a broader strategy aimed at countering potential threats from both Russia and Belarus. For a deeper understanding of Ukraine's proactive measures in this context, see how the country is preparing for potential preemptive actions against these aggressors in our detailed report on Ukraine's defensive strategies.