Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Jun 23
Lukashenko Tries to Keep Belarus Out of War After Zelenskyy Gives 1-Week Ultimatum
Updated
Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Jun 23
Lukashenko Tries to Keep Belarus Out of War After Zelenskyy Gives 1-Week Ultimatum
3 articles · Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Jun 23
Summary
June 19 remarks by Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave Belarus one week to remove or switch off alleged Russian signal relay stations, warning that if Minsk did not act, Ukraine would.
Lukashenko has stayed publicly silent, a stance analysts say reflects his effort to avoid direct Belarusian entry into the war while not provoking Moscow by curbing Russian military support infrastructure.
2020 unrest and Putin's backing left Lukashenko heavily dependent on the Kremlin, yet sending Belarus into combat remains deeply unpopular at home and could threaten his grip on power.
Moscow has signaled the issue will be discussed soon between Putin and Lukashenko, while analysts say any Ukrainian strike inside Belarus would sharply escalate the war and alarm Washington and European capitals.
Caught between Putin and Zelenskyy, can Belarus's leader escape being dragged into a 'suicidal' war?
As Ukraine threatens to strike Belarus, will Lukashenko defy his Russian backers to save his own regime?
Countdown to June 26: Ukraine’s Ultimatum, Belarus’s Strategic Bind, and the Escalation of the Russia-Ukraine War
Overview
On June 19, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a direct ultimatum to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, demanding the removal of Russian-operated drone relay systems from Belarusian territory. Zelenskyy accused Belarus of being a main supplier to the Russian army and insisted that Lukashenko had the power to stop supporting Moscow’s military, especially by curtailing exports like fuel. This ultimatum followed earlier hints that Ukraine had already targeted such relay systems in Belarus, showing Ukraine’s willingness to act if demands are ignored. The situation highlights growing pressure on Belarus to choose between Kyiv’s demands and Moscow’s influence.