President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that protecting Ukraine's borders was a "constant priority" and that his country was ready for all possible scenarios with Russia and its ally Belarus.

"Protecting our border, both with Russia and Belarus - is our constant priority," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. "We are preparing for all possible defence scenarios."

Zelenskyy made his remarks on the eve of a visit to Belarus by Russian President Vladimir Putin's amid discussion of a possible new offensive by Moscow and suggestions it could originate in Belarus.

In his address, Zelenskyy issued a new appeal to Western nations to provide Ukraine with effective air defences. He also said his forces were holding the town of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, where some of the fiercest fighting has been seen.

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(Edited by : Sangam Singh)

First Published:Dec 19, 2022 6:58 AM IST