Belarus has resisted being drawn more centrally into the war. But the visit raised worries that a new Russian ground offensive could aim again at Kyiv, near the Belarusian border.
Analysts had surmised that Russia was having trouble with the drones, but if a problem has been fixed, it remains unclear how long the Kremlin can sustain such attacks.
The December event has offered reporters rare — albeit stage-managed — chances to pose hard questions. With the war going poorly for Russia, that could have been awkward.
Jubilant crowds poured into the streets, greeting Ukrainian soldiers and waving flags. But officials said the city was not out of danger, warning of potential Russian reprisals.
Polls and interviews show many Russians now accept the Kremlin’s assertion that their country is under siege from the West. Opponents are leaving the country or keeping quiet.