Zelensky gave Lukashenko one week to remove the communications systems, saying their presence poses a threat to Ukraine’s security.
The warning comes amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Belarus, a close ally of Russia that has maintained strong political and economic ties with Moscow since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
Belarus has accused Ukraine of being behind a drone attack in Russia’s Bryansk region that injured six children who were part of a football team and killed the wife of the coach accompanying them. Kyiv has denied any involvement in the attack.
Zelensky said Lukashenko should demonstrate that Belarus genuinely seeks peace by first removing the communication equipment. He also accused Belarus of helping Russia secure petroleum products and said such support should come to an end.
“Belarus has an opportunity to prove that it wants peace,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine would not tolerate infrastructure that it believes could be used to support Russian military operations.
According to Ukrainian officials, the equipment installed on the towers could be used for intelligence gathering and coordinating military activities. Kyiv argues that such systems increase the risk of attacks on Ukrainian territory and undermine efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
For his part, Lukashenko has repeatedly insisted that Belarus does not want to enter the war or attack any neighboring country. He has warned that anyone seeking to drag Belarus into the conflict would be held responsible for the consequences.
Belarusian authorities have maintained that their cooperation with Russia is defensive in nature and aimed at protecting the country’s sovereignty. Minsk has also stressed that it remains open to dialogue and supports diplomatic solutions to regional disputes.
Since the war between Ukraine and Russia began in 2022, Belarus has avoided direct involvement in the fighting. However, it has been regarded by Kyiv and Western governments as one of Moscow’s closest partners, providing logistical support and allowing Russian forces to use its territory during the early stages of the invasion.
The latest exchange of accusations highlights the fragile security situation in Eastern Europe, where fears of a broader regional conflict continue to persist despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain tensions.
