Lukashenko Strives To Keep Belarus Out Of War After Zelenskyy Ultimatum

Ukraine has given Belarus a week to dismantle or remove drone relay stations on its territory, which Kyiv accuses of aiding Russian military operations. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is reportedly seeking to avoid escalation, while Kremlin officials confirm a meeting between Putin and Lukashenko to address the situation. The ultimatum marks a direct challenge to Belarus’s neutrality claims and its close ties with Russia, raising tensions in the region.

Coverage emphasizes the diplomatic tightrope Lukashenko is walking, with Kremlin-aligned outlets like UNITED24 Media framing the issue as a threat to Belarusian sovereignty, while Western outlets such as *The Guardian* and *Politico.eu* highlight Ukraine’s demand as a potential flashpoint. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty notes Lukashenko’s efforts to distance Belarus from the conflict, though no concrete steps have been announced. The Kremlin’s response has been to accuse Ukraine of overreach, positioning the dispute as an external interference in Belarusian affairs.

What to watch next: Whether Lukashenko will comply with Ukraine’s ultimatum or align with Russia’s stance, and how the Kremlin’s meeting with Lukashenko will shape Belarus’s response. The timeline for action is critical—Ukraine’s one-week deadline could force a rapid decision with unpredictable regional consequences.