Zelenskyy gives Lukashenko an ultimatum: one week to remove relay stations.

Statement from Ukraine's President

According to UATV: On June 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a mounting threat from Belarus along Ukraine's border. In his address, he demanded that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko dismantle Russian relay stations operating on Belarusian soil, which he claims are being used to guide strikes against civilian targets in Ukraine. This demand comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where Belarus has increasingly been seen as a staging ground for Russian military operations.

Zelenskyy stressed the urgency of removing these relay stations, which he described as a joint Russian-Belarusian asset.

“No need for extra words. Today, on his towers, he has relay stations. Russian relay stations, Belarusian ones. I think one week will be enough for him to get this done,” the Ukrainian president stated.

Belarus's Role in the Conflict

Zelenskyy also expressed confidence that Lukashenko has the authority to resolve the issue, noting that “he is the one in control.” Belarus, a neighbor of Ukraine, plays a key role in supplying fuel to the Russian army, amplifying its strategic importance in the ongoing regional armed conflict.

These comments from Ukraine's leader reflect a drive to lower threats from neighboring countries and stabilize the nation's security situation.

The significance of these statements lies in their demonstration of Ukraine's proactive stance on national security amid the armed conflict. Given Belarus's strategic location and its collaboration with Russia, eliminating threats from this direction is critical for regional stability. How relations between Ukraine and Belarus evolve—and how Minsk responds to Kyiv's calls—could substantially shape the military landscape and security dynamics in Eastern Europe.