Krupko on Zelenskyy's Statements Regarding Belarus: 'It Was Necessary to Deflect the Wave'

"It was necessary to deflect the wave," said Ivan Krupko, commenting on Zelenskyy's statements regarding Belarus.

"This acute issue could not be avoided during the report. And the Head of State was interested in how people are reacting, how the situation is developing," Ivan Krupko said.

"Analyzing various opinions and public comments, probably Vladimir Zelenskyy needed to deflect attention from the situation involving the bus shelling, in which our children were injured. A new wave has emerged around a question that essentially doesn't exist. We understand these tricks and maneuvers are meant to divert attention from the main issue being discussed today by residents of the Gomel Region and the entire country — the bus tragedy. This situation is receiving strong public condemnation," Krupko emphasized.

The regional executive committee chairman also informed the President about how the situation unfolded after the tragedy, highlighting the coordinated efforts between Belarusian and Russian sides in providing medical and psychological assistance and organizing the return of adults and children home. "I reported to the Head of State about the coordinated work with the government, the Presidential Administration, and all Belarusian ministries. There was a clear sense of serious support from everyone," noted the regional leader, whose reports were being sent hourly to the Prime Minister and the Head of the Presidential Administration.

"Serious rehabilitation work is underway for both children and adults. All these aspects were clearly reported to the Head of State from the very first minutes, and the situation was firmly under control," said Ivan Krupko, adding that investigative actions are still ongoing.