Key facts
- President Zelenskyy has given Belarus one week to remove Russian military equipment used in attacks on Ukraine.
- The equipment includes signal relay stations on towers along the border.
- Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine would take action if Belarus did not comply.
- Belarus has been used by Russia as a launchpad and hosts Russian military infrastructure.
- Zelenskyy also discussed potential US licenses for Ukraine to manufacture anti-ballistic air defense systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a one-week ultimatum to Belarusian leader Aliaksandr Lukashenka, demanding the removal of Russian military equipment, specifically drone-guidance relay stations, from Belarus. Zelenskyy stated during a media briefing in Kyiv that these stations are being used to guide Russian drone attacks, resulting in daily civilian casualties and wounded children. He warned that if Lukashenka does not take action to remove the equipment within the week, Ukraine will act itself.
Belarus has been a key ally to Russia throughout the conflict, allowing its territory to be used as a launchpad for attacks on Ukraine and hosting Russian nuclear weapons and military infrastructure. Minsk has also reportedly produced components for Russia's military industries.
Earlier in May, Zelenskyy had indicated Kyiv's readiness to take 'preventive' measures against potential military threats from Russia and Belarus, particularly amid joint nuclear drills and heightened tensions with European NATO members. The current warning follows renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, which have resulted in civilian deaths and damage to significant landmarks like the Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv.
Additionally, Zelenskyy expressed hope for a positive response from the United States regarding granting Ukraine licenses to manufacture anti-ballistic air defense systems, following a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit.