Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stern warning to Belarus regarding the deployment of Russian relay stations that assist in the targeting of drone strikes on Ukrainian cities. This development, confirmed through Zelensky’s official Telegram channel, raises concerns about escalating military collaboration between Russia and Belarus.
According to Zelensky, four relay stations have been established in Belarusian territory near the Ukrainian border. These installations are reportedly located in the Gomel and Brest regions and are believed to enhance the accuracy of Russian drone strikes. Recent attacks on the Zhytomyr, Rivne, and Volyn regions have targeted critical infrastructure, including energy facilities and railways.
“Belarus has time to dismantle this equipment,” Zelensky emphasized, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
In addition to monitoring the relay stations, Ukraine is also tracking Belarusian enterprises that support the Russian military. Reports indicate a significant increase in fuel supplies from Belarus to Russia, with gasoline shipments rising thirteenfold and diesel supplies tripling from January to May compared to the previous year.
Zelensky noted that while unofficial channels suggest Belarusian leadership opposes the war, tangible actions are needed to substantiate these claims.
This warning follows a recent incident where Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko apologized to Zelensky for past inflammatory remarks made during an interview. Lukashenko attributed his comments to perceived threats from Kyiv regarding potential strikes on Belarusian targets.
In response, Zelensky issued a firm ultimatum to Belarus, demanding the removal of military equipment from border areas within a week. He stressed that mere words are insufficient, and concrete actions are required to de-escalate tensions.
A source within Ukraine’s defense forces clarified that the primary concern is the dismantling of Russian relay stations, which are used in conjunction with Belarusian communication systems to coordinate drone attacks on Ukraine. Currently, there are no other significant military assets or forces stationed near the border.
Ukraine's President Zelensky has warned Belarus over the deployment of Russian relay stations aiding drone strikes on Ukrainian territory. This escalation in military cooperation raises concerns about regional stability and Ukraine's security.