Zelensky Issues One-Week Ultimatum to Belarus Over Signal Equipment Used in Russian Attacks

On 19 June 2026 President Volodymyr Zelensky told a Kyiv press conference that Belarus must dismantle or deactivate signal-relay equipment on towers in two border regions within one week, warning that Ukrainian forces will act if Minsk does not comply.

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Since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, Russian missiles and drones have routinely launched from Belarusian territory. Belarus has also hosted the Russian Oreshnik hypersonic missile system and conducted joint nuclear drills with Moscow.

UsNews and World Report

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine issued the demand. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko denies any intent to join the war, calling spillover onto Belarus “absolutely unacceptable.” He notes that President Vladimir Putin shares Minsk’s stance on avoiding involvement.

Kyiv Independent‘If He Doesn’t Do It, We Will’: Zelensky Gives Lukashenko One Week to Remove Military Equipment Near Ukraine’s BorderThe Straits TimesZelensky Threatens to Destroy Equipment in Belarus Used to Support Russian Attacks on Ukraine

The relay stations are said to guide Russian drone strikes that have killed civilians since the war’s outset. Their removal could reduce cross-border attacks and limit Belarus’s logistical support to Russia, while Ukrainian strikes could broaden the conflict and draw Minsk deeper into hostilities.

UsNews and World Report

Zelensky framed the deadline as a civilian-protection measure, asserting that Belarus can switch off the equipment. Lukashenko replied that Belarus does not wish to become a battlefield, called Ukrainian threats unacceptable, and said he had discussed the issue with President Putin, who agreed Belarus should avoid war spillover. Belarus’s foreign ministry has demanded “complete explanations” from Kyiv over a recent bus incident that injured children.

‘If He Doesn’t Do It, We Will’: Zelensky Gives Lukashenko One Week to Remove Military Equipment Near Ukraine’s BorderKyiv IndependentUsNews and World Report

Lukashenko argued that Belarus is already vulnerable and that any Ukrainian strike would expose the country “like an open palm.” He contended the relay systems are under Russian control, not Belarusian, and questioned Kyiv’s accusations due to lack of independent verification.

‘If He Doesn’t Do It, We Will’: Zelensky Gives Lukashenko One Week to Remove Military Equipment Near Ukraine’s BorderUsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesKyiv Independent

Sources describe the contested devices as “signal relay stations,” “repeaters,” or components of the Oreshnik missile system, creating uncertainty about their function. No independent assessment has confirmed whether the equipment is used to adjust fire against Ukrainian civilians.

"If he doesn't do it - we will": Zelenskyy called on Lukashenko to turn off the equipment that adjusts Russian attacks on Ukraine

• “What's the point of saying he (Lukashenko) doesn't want to be in the war? Let him remove this equipment, let him switch it off. I think a week will be enough for him to do that,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

The Straits Times

• “If he doesn't do it, we'll do it,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

The Straits Times

• “We have said many times that it is absolutely unacceptable for the war between Ukraine and Russia to spill over onto the territory of Belarus for various reasons,” — Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus

‘If He Doesn’t Do It, We Will’: Zelensky Gives Lukashenko One Week to Remove Military Equipment Near Ukraine’s Border

• “Why one week? Because every day our civilians are dying because of this. Children are being wounded. If he does not do it, we will.” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

‘If He Doesn’t Do It, We Will’: Zelensky Gives Lukashenko One Week to Remove Military Equipment Near Ukraine’s Border

If Minsk fails to act by 26 June, Kyiv says it may target the relay sites. EU and NATO officials have signaled heightened diplomatic engagement, and both sides are monitoring border activity closely.

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