Zelensky Demands Lukashenko Remove Military Gear from Border Amid New Drone Data.

Russia Intensifies Activity in Belarus

According to UATV: Moscow's efforts to drag Belarus deeper into the war against Ukraine have escalated once again, particularly through the use of Belarusian territory for military operations. Since the start of 2026, the number of Russian drone launches originating from Belarus has risen by 20%. This trend has sparked serious concern in Kyiv, especially given recent developments.

On June 17, a drone struck a passenger bus in Russia's Bryansk region. Official Minsk quickly blamed Ukraine for the attack, but President Volodymyr Zelensky flatly denied the accusation. "That strike was not ours," he stated, adding that "the Russians will stage many different provocations to drag the people of Belarus into this war." Zelensky also issued a direct demand to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko: remove all military equipment from the border zone. "Let him turn off the machinery that directs fire at Ukrainian civilians," Zelensky said.

Economic Ties Fuel the Conflict

A key factor in this standoff is that two Belarusian oil refineries continue to process Russian crude, a practice that likely bolsters Moscow's war effort. This economic link underscores how Belarus remains intertwined with Russia's military campaign.

The growing Russian military footprint in Belarus—coupled with the uptick in drone activity and the Belarusian government's accusations—points to a potential escalation in the region. Zelensky's forceful call to remove military hardware highlights the gravity of the situation and the direct threat to Ukrainian security. Meanwhile, the continued flow of Russian oil through Belarusian refineries further illustrates the economic channels that help sustain the conflict.