https://www.rt.com/news/641947-zelensky-belarus-lukashenko-ultimatum/Zelensky doubles down on ultimatum to Russia’s ally

Belarus, an in depth Russian ally, has largely stayed out of the Ukraine battle since 2022, whereas calling on Moscow and Kiev to have interaction in dialogue. Nevertheless, over the previous few weeks, Zelensky has been ramping up his rhetoric about an allegedly rising menace posed by Belarus – and has threatened it with a preemptive strike.

“On the intelligence and navy ranges, Belarus acquired a message: cease serving to the Russians. The problem with the relay stations has been ongoing for a very long time,” Zelensky mentioned in a put up on X on Sunday, reiterating his declare that the communication towers are being utilized by Russia to coordinate drone strikes.

Lukashenko has repeatedly mentioned that Belarus has no intention of waging battle in opposition to any nation and “isn’t threatening anybody,” however Zelensky mentioned his phrases have “meant nothing because the first day of the battle.”

“If he doesn’t take away them, we’ll take away all the pieces ourselves. Equally, we’re sending a message: please cease supplying gas to the Russian military,” he added, insisting that it was not a “menace,” however a press release of reality.

Earlier this week, Lukashenko mentioned that these looking for to drag his nation into the battle “could have to pay dearly for that,” demanding solutions from Kiev relating to the strike on Russia’s Bryansk Area that left six youngsters injured and killed the spouse of a Belarusian college soccer staff coach who was accompanying the younger athletes to a Russian seaside resort.

Kiev has denied accountability, whereas Zelensky claimed on Friday that it was Lukashenko who should “be trustworthy” and show Minsk’s peaceable intentions.

Belarusian Protection Minister Viktor Khrenin mentioned it makes completely “no sense” for the nation of 9 million folks, which borders three NATO member states, to willingly be part of the battle until attacked first.

Apart from the relay stations, Kiev has additionally recognized and mapped out 500 different strategic navy and logistical targets throughout Belarus, the commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Programs Forces warned final month.

”They could effectively have recognized 500 targets,” Lukashenko mentioned in response. “However now we have one very severe goal, with exact coordinates. And it’s not removed from Belarus,” he added, apparently hinting at Kiev, positioned simply 90 kilometers from the border.