On February 15, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at the Munich Security Conference, where he voiced serious concerns about Russia’s plans to send troops to Belarus under the pretext of exercises. He stressed that these forces could be used to attack Ukraine or other European countries.

"We have precise intelligence that Russia is going to send troops to Belarus this summer under the guise of exercises. These troops in Belarus could attack Ukraine. Or maybe they are meant for you," - declared Zelensky.

The president also noted that Russia plans to increase its army by 150 people, forming 12-15 divisions that will be trained in Belarus. He expressed concern that after these exercises, Russian troops could launch an offensive not only against Ukraine, but also against NATO countries such as Poland or Lithuania.

"It could be that while we are standing still, he is preparing a bridgehead for a large number of troops and he simply takes this bridgehead and goes in another direction. He goes to Poland, he goes to Lithuania. Why does no one think that this will happen?" Zelensky stressed.

In response to these threats, the Ukrainian president called for the creation of independent European armed forces.

"Many leaders are talking about Europe needing its own army. I believe the time has come for this – for the creation of the armed forces of Europe," — Zelensky said, emphasizing the need for armed independence of Europe in light of current threats.

At the same time, experts doubt that Russia intends to send such a large group of troops to Belarus, however, there is even less confidence that Zelensky’s words about the impending attack are reality.