Zelensky: Belarus Halted Retransmitters for Russian Shahed Drones
AI Analysis
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claims Belarus has halted the operation of retransmitters used by Russia to guide Shahed drones. This follows a public ultimatum issued by Zelenskyy to Belarusian leader Lukashenko. While dismantling hasn't been confirmed, the systems are reportedly non-operational as of Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine alleges Belarus was actively assisting Russia in drone attacks by providing guidance infrastructure for Shahed drones.
- Zelenskyy issued a public ultimatum to Belarus, threatening to eliminate the retransmitters if they weren't removed.
- Belarus has reportedly ceased operation of these retransmitters, though their physical removal is unconfirmed.
- Russia has condemned Zelenskyy's ultimatum as aggressive interference.
- Recent reports suggest a potential shift in Belarus's position, including a public apology from Lukashenko, but also warnings of increasing military integration with Russia.
Why It Matters
The halting of retransmitter operations, if sustained, could degrade Russia's precision strike capabilities using Shahed drones in areas reliant on Belarusian-based guidance. This development highlights the potential for Ukraine to exert pressure on Belarus to limit its support for Russia, but also underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of Belarus’s alignment. Continued monitoring of Belarusian actions is crucial to assess the long-term impact on the conflict.
Belarus has switched off retransmitters used to guide Russian Shahed drones toward Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, citing military and intelligence reports.
Zelensky cited briefings from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky and Ukraine’s intelligence service, saying the retransmitters located on Belarusian territory stopped operating as of Monday, according to RBC-Ukraine. He noted that he does not yet know whether the equipment has been dismantled, but said “the fact is that as of today, the retransmitters are not working.”
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Last week, Zelensky publicly demanded that Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko remove the retransmitters, giving him a week to clear military equipment from near Ukraine’s border.
“From the first days of this war, missiles were flying from Belarus, killing children and adults,” Zelensky said, warning that if Belarus failed to act, Ukraine would eliminate the systems itself.
Moscow condemned Zelensky’s ultimatum as “absolutely aggressive” interference in Belarus’ internal affairs, saying Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin plans to discuss Kyiv’s warning with Lukashenko.
Earlier in June, Lukashenko completely shifted his stance, publicly apologizing to Zelensky and ruling out Belarus entering the war, calling any spillover of the conflict onto Belarusian territory “absolutely unacceptable.”
As of June 21st, Belarus’ opposition-led United Transitional Cabinet warned Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry that Lukashenko may be preparing to join Russia’s war, citing constitutional changes, rapid military expansion, and deeper integration with Moscow’s arms industry as signs Minsk is shifting away from neutrality.
Nina Savić is a Cultural Studies graduate with a strong focus on critical analysis of discourse and media. She is particularly drawn to stories and perspectives often overlooked or erased by mainstream narratives, and is passionate about giving a voice to those pushed to the margins.