Intro: Russia denounced Ukraine’s ultimatum to Belarus, calling it aggressive interference and a threat to sovereignty.
Moscow
The Kremlin on Monday sharply criticized Ukraine over its warning to Belarus regarding alleged military equipment being used in Russian operations against Ukraine.
Moscow described the statement from Kyiv as an unacceptable interference in the affairs of a sovereign nation and reaffirmed confidence in Belarus’ ability to protect its national interests.
The controversy emerged after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Friday that Belarus had one week to remove signal relay stations that Ukraine claims are being used by Russia to help guide attacks on Ukrainian territory. Zelenskiy said the equipment was contributing to Russian military operations and warned that Ukraine could take action if Belarusian authorities failed to address the issue within the specified timeframe.
Responding to the remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Ukraine of threatening a close Russian ally and violating principles of state sovereignty. Speaking to reporters, Peskov characterized the warning as an aggressive move that amounted to interference in the internal affairs of another country.
According to Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko are expected to discuss Zelenskiy’s comments in the near future. The Kremlin indicated that the issue is likely to feature prominently in upcoming consultations between the two leaders as they assess the implications of Ukraine’s position.
Peskov emphasized that Russia has complete confidence in the Belarusian leadership and its ability to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and national security. He stated that Belarus is fully capable of making its own decisions and responding to external pressures without outside influence.
Belarus has remained one of Russia’s closest allies since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. Russian forces used Belarusian territory during the initial phase of the military operation in February 2022 to enter Ukraine. Despite its strategic partnership with Moscow, Belarus has not deployed its own troops to participate directly in the conflict.
The Belarusian government has repeatedly stated that it has no plans to enter the war. However, the country continues to maintain strong military and security cooperation with Russia and hosts Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory, a move that has drawn international attention and concern.
The latest exchange highlights growing tensions in the region and underscores the sensitive role Belarus continues to play in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.