Today at 20:24
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko must dismantle relay stations allegedly being used to support Russian drone attacks against Ukraine. Otherwise, Ukraine will do it itself.
According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, cited by UATV English, Zelenskyy made the remarks during a joint press conference in Kyiv with Honduran President Nasry Asfura.
The Ukrainian president recalled that missiles launched from Belarusian territory had been striking Ukraine since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Back then, he (Lukashenko) also called and apologized, saying that he did not control it and that Russia was acting on its own territory. Of course, I do not believe that, but he did say it,” Zelenskyy stated.
According to the president, Russia continues to push Belarus toward deeper involvement in the war, while Lukashenko understands that Ukraine will respond.
“There is no need for extra words. Today, there are relay stations on his towers—Russian relay stations, Belarusian relay stations. What difference does it make to us? On his territory, along two regions bordering Ukraine, there is equipment that guides attacks against the Ukrainian population, specifically civilians. We do not currently have a major frontline there between Ukraine and Belarus. Civilians are being killed there. These relay stations are located on the relevant towers. Can he remove them? If he does not want to be involved in the war, let him remove this equipment, let him switch it off,” Zelenskyy said.
He expressed confidence that one week would be sufficient for Lukashenko to take action.
“I think one week is enough for him to do this. Why do I say one week? Because our civilians are dying every day because of this, and children are being injured. If he does not do it, we will,” Zelenskyy warned.
The Ukrainian president also argued that Lukashenko could halt the supply of petroleum products that are being used by Russian occupation forces in the war against Ukraine.
As previously reported, on June 16 Lukashenko apologized to Zelenskyy for some of his earlier harsh statements and claimed that no military actions from Belarus, including actions initiated by himself, should be expected.
In May, Lukashenko threatened to strike a “very serious” target in Ukraine after Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi stated that Ukrainian forces had identified 500 potential targets on Belarusian territory.
