Gomel governor slams Zelensky’s statements on Belarus as attempt to sway narrative

Vladimir Zelensky’s ultimatum-style statement addressed to Belarus and its head of state is an attempt to deflect attention in the wake of the attack on a bus with children in Bryansk Oblast, Chairman of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee Ivan Krupko told the media following his report to Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, BelTA has learned.

“This sensitive issue could not be overlooked during the report. The head of state inquired how people are reacting to it and what the situation is,” Ivan Krupko said. 

“Analyzing various opinions and people’s comments, it seems that Vladimir Zelensky needed to deflect attention from the situation surrounding the attack on the bus that left our children injured. A new hype has been created over an issue that essentially does not exist. We understand that these tricks and ploys are designed to draw attention away from the main topic currently being discussed by residents of Gomel Oblast and the entire country, namely, the bus tragedy. This situation is being met with harsh criticism from the public,” Ivan Krupko noted.The governor also reported to the president on the situation in the wake of the tragedy, smooth cooperation of the Belarusian and Russian sides and the coordination of efforts to provide medical and psychological assistance and to organize the return of adults and children back home. “I reported to the head of state on the coordinated work with the government, the President Administration, and all Belarusian ministries. I felt very serious support from everyone,” the regional governor noted, who submitted hourly reports to the prime minister and the head of the President Administration.“Extensive efforts are underway to help the children and the adult who were injured to recover. the head of state was briefed on all of these matters from the very first minutes, and the situation was kept under control,” Ivan Krupko said, adding that investigative actions are also ongoing.