Zelensky Demands Belarus Remove Russian Equipment Within a Week or Ukraine Will Act

Zelensky accused Belarus of facilitating Russian drone attacks and warned that Minsk has one week to remove communications equipment allegedly helping guide strikes from Belarusian territory. He stated that the continuing operation of these systems contributes to daily civilian casualties in Ukraine and that one week would be sufficient time for Belarusian authorities to dismantle the equipment.

Belarus has allowed Russia to use its territory for military operations and logistics since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. While Lukashenko has recently dismissed notions of Belarus being drawn deeper into the conflict, he affirmed that Belarus would defend itself in the event of aggression. Earlier in the week, Lukashenko stated that Belarus poses no military threat to Ukraine and apologized to Zelensky for previous harsh remarks.

This development follows a recent incident where Russia accused Ukraine of a drone attack on a bus carrying Belarusian children through Russia, an accusation that Kyiv has denied. Belarus' Foreign Ministry has demanded explanations from Ukraine regarding the incident.