Recently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy threatened Belarus, demanding that the country dismantle its border signal relay stations, alleging that these facilities are used to guide Russian drones. He stated that if Belarus does not take action within a specified period, Ukraine will attack those facilities.
According to a report by Russian TASS on June 22, in response to Zelensky's request, Russian President of Press Secretary Peskov said that Russian President Putin and Belarus President Lukashenko will discuss the issue soon. He accused Zelensky of trying to interfere in Belarus's internal affairs, emphasizing that Russia believes Belarus has the ability to defend its sovereignty.
On June 19th, Zelenskyy claimed in a press conference that Belarus is 'involved in the Russo-Ukraine conflict'. The signal relaying stations on the Belarus-Ukraine border are helping Russian drones adjust their flight paths, allowing them to strike Ukrainian cities and infrastructure more accurately. He demanded that Lukashenko remove these facilities within a week; 'If he doesn't, we will do it ourselves'.
On the 22nd, Zelenskyy reiterated his threats against Belarus in a media interview. He stated, "The problem with signal relay stations has persisted for a long time, and it has caused casualties among Ukrainians. They are coordinating technically to help Russian drones strike Ukrainians more accurately. Lukashenko has received this information, and he must take action to calm the situation."
Ukrainian President Zelensky on Social Media
He demanded that Belarus stop assisting Russia, “remove signal relay stations, and prove to us that they have been removed. Since we have repeatedly conveyed this message to them, we now want to make a public statement. If he does not take action, we will take matters into our own hands. At the same time, we also conveyed another message: please stop supplying fuel to the Russian army.”
In response to Zelenskyy's statement, Peskov said on the 22nd that Putin and Lukashenko plan to discuss relevant issues in the near future. He accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere in Belarus's internal affairs, but Russia believes that Belarus has the ability to defend its sovereignty.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Helenen said on the 21st that Belarus will not be involved in the Ukraine conflict and is closely monitoring the developments. He added that the primary task of the Belarusian military is to ensure the safety of its citizens. Currently, Belarus has deployed a small number of troops along the Ukrainian border, with the mission to work with border guards to maintain border security.
Previously, Lukashenko emphasized in an interview with Saudi media that the flames of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict would never spread to Belarus. He and Putin had discussed this issue in depth. He conveyed Putin's words: "We are aware that it is not advisable to involve Belarus in any form of this conflict. The risks involved are far greater than the benefits."
Lukashenko believes that there is no military solution to the Ukrainian issue. “There are many issues that need to be resolved, and these issues can only be addressed through negotiations. No conflict can be solved through military means. Whether it’s the Ukrainian conflict or the conflicts in the Middle East, they cannot be resolved through military means.”
