The Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, said Ukrainian forces are already preparing response plans in case Belarus becomes directly involved in Russia’s war against Ukraine, including a large set of pre-identified targets.
The comments come amid repeated Ukrainian warnings that Russia is actively seeking to draw Belarus deeper into the war, including through military contacts and discussions on potential operations launched from Belarusian territory.
Madyar said around 500 targets have already been marked, framing it as part of ongoing operational planning for unmanned systems and long-range strike capabilities.
“A barking dog does not bite. A bird of prey is different. The first 500 targets are already marked. Free and very practical advice: don’t get in Ukraine’s way,” Madyar said, directing the remarks at Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka.
Escalation concerns along Ukraine’s northern border
Ukrainian officials have said such scenarios could involve pressure on northern Ukraine or even NATO territory, and have pointed to signs of expanding military infrastructure and preparations inside Belarus.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said Russia is trying to involve Belarus in “new aggressive operations,” while Ukraine strengthens its northern defenses in response.
He has also said Ukraine is reinforcing fortifications and air defenses along the northern Chernihiv–Kyiv axis, citing the need to prepare for possible escalation from the Belarus direction.
Ukrainian military leadership has described the northern threat as real, while stressing that Ukraine is developing both defensive and preventive response options.
Belarus has not formally entered the war, but its territory was used for Russia’s 2022 invasion and continues to host Russian military infrastructure and exercises.
Russia wants Belarus to join new “aggressive operations” against Ukraine or NATO, Kyiv says
Ukraine’s long-range strike posture
Against that backdrop, Brovdi said Ukrainian unmanned systems forces continue to expand strike capabilities, which have increasingly targeted Russian military logistics, energy infrastructure, and industrial sites.
He added that drone operations are being developed as a central component of Ukraine’s broader long-range strike strategy, with planning already underway for rapid execution if the security situation changes.
