Zelenskyy warns Russia expanding drone stations in Belarus, occupied lands

2026-03-23 - 19:30

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed Monday that Russia is moving to expand its network of long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control stations, including new facilities in occupied areas of Ukraine and four additional stations in neighboring Belarus. The announcement, made on social media platform X, cited a report from Ukraine’s defense intelligence chief Oleh Ivashchenko. Zelenskyy warned: “We will respond accordingly.” Drone expansion and peace talks The Ukrainian leader also accused Moscow of routinely exaggerating its frontline successes and using “inflated data” in negotiations. Ukraine and Russia have engaged in several rounds of US-mediated peace talks this year, but the process was interrupted by the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The reported expansion of drone infrastructure could further complicate diplomatic efforts, as both sides continue to probe each other’s defenses. Türkiye’s mediation role Türkiye has consistently advocated for a negotiated end to the war, hosting previous peace talks and facilitating the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ankara maintains communication channels with both Kyiv and Moscow and has urged the international community not to lose focus on the Ukraine conflict amid rising tensions elsewhere. Turkish officials have warned that any expansion of the war, whether through drone deployments or other means, would only deepen suffering and delay a diplomatic resolution. Zelenskyy’s latest warning underscores the persistent risks of escalation even as global attention shifts to the Middle East.