Ukraine has sharply escalated its rhetoric towards neighbouring Belarus after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a one-week ultimatum demanding the removal of Russian military relay stations allegedly being used to coordinate attacks on Ukrainian territory. Zelenskyy warned that if Belarus fails to dismantle the installations, Ukraine would take action itself, marking one of Kyiv’s strongest public warnings to Minsk since the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022. The statement highlights growing concerns that Belarus is becoming increasingly integrated into Russia’s military operations despite officially remaining outside direct combat.
Kyiv raises pressure on Minsk
Speaking during a briefing, Zelenskyy claimed that Russian signal relay stations located in Belarusian regions bordering Ukraine are assisting Russian missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian civilian targets. He stated that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has one week to remove the installations.
“If he doesn’t do it, we’ll do it,” Zelenskyy said, without specifying what form any Ukrainian action would take. The warning reflects Ukraine’s increasingly assertive posture towards military infrastructure beyond its own borders that it believes contributes directly to Russia’s war effort.
Oil supplies also targeted
Beyond the relay stations, Zelenskyy called on Belarus to halt the supply of refined petroleum products destined for the Russian military. Ukraine has repeatedly argued that cutting logistical and energy support for Russia is essential to weakening Moscow’s ability to sustain its invasion.
Kyiv has intensified attacks on Russian oil refineries and fuel infrastructure throughout 2026, arguing that disrupting fuel supplies directly affects Russia’s military capabilities while reducing revenue that finances the war. Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on energy facilities deep inside Russia form part of this broader strategy.
Belarus faces growing scrutiny
Although Belarus has not officially committed combat forces to the conflict, it has allowed Russia to use its territory since the early stages of the invasion. Russian troops initially entered northern Ukraine from Belarus in February 2022, while missile systems, drones and military exercises have continued to be hosted there.
Western governments have long viewed Belarus as one of Russia’s closest military partners. Intelligence assessments have repeatedly suggested that Moscow is seeking deeper military integration with Minsk, including expanded drone operations and strategic communications infrastructure near the Ukrainian border.
Regional tensions continue to rise
The latest warning comes as Ukraine expands long-range strikes against Russian military and energy targets. Kyiv maintains that these operations are legitimate acts of self-defence designed to reduce Russia’s ability to wage war.
Meanwhile, Belarus continues to insist it poses no threat to neighbouring countries, despite hosting Russian military assets and participating in joint military exercises with Moscow. Diplomatic channels between Kyiv and Minsk remain limited, increasing the risk that future incidents along the shared border could further escalate tensions.
An increasingly complex conflict
The confrontation illustrates how the war is evolving beyond the immediate front lines. Ukraine is increasingly targeting the broader logistical network supporting Russia’s military campaign, while neighbouring countries face growing pressure over their involvement.
Whether Belarus responds to Zelenskyy’s ultimatum remains uncertain. However, the warning signals Kyiv’s willingness to extend military pressure beyond Russian territory if it believes external infrastructure is directly contributing to attacks on Ukrainian civilians. As the conflict approaches another critical phase, regional security dynamics continue to become more complex, with Belarus playing an increasingly significant role in the strategic calculations of both Kyiv and Moscow.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – June 20, 2026
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