Putin puts pressure on Lukashenko. Belarus will join the war against Ukraine at the beginning of September - Sazonov

This opinion was expressed by a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Espreso TV live on air.

"The main and priority goal of the Kremlin today is full control over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. These are key tasks for Moscow. They directed everything they had to Lysychansk and Severodonetsk. After that, if they succeed in occupying Donetsk and Luhansk regions, they will announce on TV that they have successfully completed the first stage of the "special military operation" on the territory of Ukraine. Then they will plan an offensive in other directions. In particular, in my opinion, Kyiv was and is key for them. At the second stage, many are sure that there will be an offensive from the territory of Belarus. Since Minsk has already signed up to participate in the second stage," - Sazonov explained.

The military officer also added that the occupiers will announce the start of the second stage of the "special military operation" and involve the Belarusian army approximately at the beginning of September.

"Now it is difficult to make predictions. Military analysts and the occupiers talk about a pause in hostilities, but the Armed Forces do not know about it at all. Shelling continues. In my opinion, in early September, with an interval of a few weeks, the Russians will announce the second stage of their "military operation" and will involve the Belarusian army for an offensive on the territory of Ukraine. That is, an offensive from the territory of Belarus can take place already in September," - Sazonov added.