Zelensky issues ultimatum to Belarus

President Zelensky says if Belarus does not remove relay systems used to support Russian drone attacks on Ukraine within one week, Kyiv will act.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a stark warning to Belarus on 19/6, stating that Kyiv would take action if Minsk failed to remove communication relay systems allegedly supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraine. Speaking at a joint press conference with Honduran counterpart Nasry Asfura, Zelensky criticized Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko for his continued support of Russia's campaign, despite repeated claims of neutrality.

Zelensky accused Belarus of positioning communication towers in two regions bordering Ukraine. These towers, he claimed, act as signal relay systems, coordinating Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks on Ukraine's rear rather than on front-line positions. "If he truly does not want to be part of the war, he should remove and turn them off," Zelensky said, referring to the alleged systems.

The Ukrainian president gave Belarus one week to dismantle these communication towers. "If he does not do so, we will," Zelensky warned, without specifying details of Kyiv's potential actions. He emphasized that one week was sufficient time for Belarus to comply.

Zelensky further accused Belarus of playing a significant role in supplying fuel to the Russian military. He suggested that Minsk could easily restrict exports of this commodity, thereby limiting support for Russian forces. "Today, Belarus is one of the leading suppliers to the Russian military," President Zelensky stated. "Can this be stopped? I believe it is entirely within his power."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on 19/6. Photo: AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on 19/6. Photo: AP

Belarusian and Russian officials have not yet commented on Zelensky's latest statements. However, in an interview with Al Arabiya, published by state news agency BelTA earlier this week, President Lukashenko maintained that Belarus is a peaceful nation that only wants the conflict to end quickly, assuring Ukraine that it "has nothing to fear from Belarus." Lukashenko highlighted the multicultural families living across the Ukraine-Belarus border, emphasizing their shared lives and lack of perceived boundaries.

Lukashenko also apologized to Zelensky for his previous harsh statements, explaining that these comments were made in response to what he perceived as threatening actions from Ukraine. These included claims that Ukraine had identified hundreds of potential targets in Belarus and was aware of Mr. Lukashenko's location.

This ultimatum from Zelensky represents one of the most direct public warnings Kyiv has sent to Minsk since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted in early 2022. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, previously allowed Russia to use its territory to launch an attack on Ukraine and has provided various other forms of support. Last month, President Lukashenko dismissed suggestions that Belarus would be drawn deeper into the war but affirmed that he would defend with Russia in the event of aggression.