Zelensky Gives Belarus One-Week Deadline to Remove Russian-Used Signal Equipment

On 19 June 2026 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told a Kyiv news conference that Belarus must dismantle signal-relay stations in two border regions within one week. He said the equipment aids Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and warned that Ukraine would act if Minsk did not comply.

The Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportKyiv IndependentZelensky Threatens to Destroy Equipment in Belarus Used to Support Russian Attacks on UkraineSouth China Morning PostRadio Free Europe / Radio Liberty‘If He Doesn’t Do It, We Will’: Zelensky Gives Lukashenko One Week to Remove Military Equipment Near Ukraine’s Border

Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, Belarus has allowed missile and drone launches against Ukraine, deployed the Russian Oreshnik missile system, held nuclear drills with Moscow in May 2026, and supplies fuel to Russian forces.

UsNews and World Report

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leads Ukraine and warns Russia seeks deeper Belarusian involvement. President Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994, repeatedly claims Belarus does not want war and has apologized for harsh remarks toward Kyiv.

South China Morning PostRadio Free Europe / Radio LibertyKyiv IndependentThe Straits TimesZelensky Threatens to Destroy Equipment in Belarus Used to Support Russian Attacks on UkraineUsNews and World Report

The equipment cited are signal-relay stations on communication towers that aid Russian navigation. Belarus is described as a main fuel supplier to the Russian army. A recent drone strike on a bus carrying Belarusian children killed one woman and injured eight, including six children.

Kyiv Independent

Removing the stations could blunt Russian strike guidance from Belarus, potentially reducing civilian deaths. A Ukrainian strike on the equipment would widen the conflict’s geography and raise NATO-Russia tensions.

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Kyiv, via President Zelenskyy, calls the relay stations a direct facilitator of attacks and sets a one-week removal deadline. Minsk, through Lukashenko, stresses a defensive stance, denies war involvement, and demands full explanations over the bus incident.

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

Lukashenko asserts Belarus does not want war, calling any spillover “absolutely unacceptable.” He warned Belarus would be “laid out like an open palm” if attacked and apologized for earlier harsh remarks toward Kyiv.

‘If He Doesn’t Do It, We Will’: Zelensky Gives Lukashenko One Week to Remove Military Equipment Near Ukraine’s BorderKyiv IndependentUsNews and World ReportRadio Free Europe / Radio LibertyThe Straits TimesSouth China Morning Post

Sources differ on the equipment’s scope: some mention only signal-relay stations, others add oil-refining and logistical assets. Zelenskyy uses the generic term “equipment,” leaving the exact inventory unclear, and Lukashenko has not publicly addressed the one-week deadline.

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

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

The Straits Times

• “If Lukashenko does not switch off this equipment, we will do it ourselves. A week should be enough for him,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Zelensky Threatens to Destroy Equipment in Belarus Used to Support Russian Attacks on Ukraine

• “When Lukashenko says he does not want to be involved in the war, he should be honest, at least with his own people,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Kyiv Independent

• “If Volodymyr was offended, I apologize to him for these words,” — Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus

Kyiv Independent

Kyiv warned that failure to meet the deadline could trigger Ukrainian strikes on the relay stations. Minsk’s non-compliance may draw heightened diplomatic pressure from NATO and further statements from Russia, while direct talks between Kyiv and Minsk remain limited.

The Straits Times