Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he gives Alexander Lukashenko a week to dismantle Russian relays on Belarusian territory that correct drone strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Otherwise, according to Zelensky, Kyiv will do it on its own.
"When Mr. Lukashenko says he does not want to be drawn into the war, he must be honest, at least with his people, because it is not he who can be drawn into the war — his entire country can be drawn into it, drawn in by Russia. From the very first days of this war, they have been killing children and adults — missiles flew from Belarus, from his country. And then he also called and apologized, saying that I did not control this, Russia acted on its territory. And, of course, I do not believe this, but he has already said it," Zelensky said at a joint press conference with Honduran President Nasry Asfura in Kyiv.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that Russia will continue to push Lukashenko into war, and he "understands that Ukraine will respond." He also clarified that the relays used by the Russian army are installed on Belarusian territory along the border with Ukraine.
"Can he (Lukashenko — ed.) remove this? Why the words that he does not want to participate in the war? Let him remove this equipment, let him turn off this equipment," Zelensky stated, noting that Lukashenko has a week to fulfill this requirement.
"I think a week will be enough for him to do this. Why do I say 'a week'? Because right now every day because of this our civilians are dying... If he does not do this, we will," the president of Ukraine said.
In addition, Zelensky urged Lukashenko to stop the supply of petroleum products from Belarus to the Russian army.
"Just like his, for example, oil refining industry. We are doing everything to ensure that the Russians do not have the opportunity to sell oil and supply the corresponding diesel and oil to their army. Because all this is used against us. He is today the main supplier or one of the main suppliers for the Russian army. It is Lukashenko, it is Belarus. Can this be stopped? I am sure it is within his power. And he controls this," Zelensky emphasized.
Let us remind you that on June 16, Lukashenko apologized to Zelensky for his previous harsh statements and assured that Belarus does not intend to enter the war. "We have said many times that it is absolutely unacceptable for the war between Ukraine and Russia to spill over into the territory of Belarus," he stated, adding that Belarus is "very vulnerable militarily" and does not wish to fight, reports The Moscow Times.
