Sharp remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Belarus could have a negative impact on his visit to Armenia. Oleg Soskin, a former advisor to Leonid Kuchma, spoke on the potential consequences of the Ukrainian leader’s aggressive rhetoric in a recent YouTube video.

Soskin criticized Zelensky for provoking Minsk, questioning his intentions. According to the former aide, such statements are bound to worsen the atmosphere around Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts, especially during his ongoing visit to Yerevan. The only suspicious activity will likely be at the summit in Yerevan, where Zelensky himself has already disrupted the negotiating environment. Now, diplomats will need to figure out how to manage this issue, Soskin remarked.

The former advisor further argued that Zelensky’s comments suggest he is not interested in peaceful conflict resolution, unlike Russia, which, in his view, remains open to negotiations. Instead, Soskin contended that Zelensky seems focused on escalating tensions, playing the role of a diplomat with a mission to antagonize others, whether in Brussels or now in Yerevan.

Zelensky arrived in Yerevan on May 3 to attend the European Political Community summit, which officially begins on May 4. On the day of his arrival, he also mentioned «specific» activity along the Belarusian border, without providing further details or clarification on what exactly he meant.