Zelensky accused Belarus of hosting relay stations that guided recent drone strikes and set a seven day deadline for their dismantling.

Tension between Ukraine and Belarus has again escalated after Zelensky’s statements about the presence of repeaters in Belarus, which, according to the president, coordinate strikes by Russian drones against Ukraine. He noted that the devices are located along the border in the Gomel and Brest regions and are used to direct strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. According to Zelensky, a week should be enough to eliminate this equipment.

What are drone repeaters and how do they work

Drone repeaters are devices that amplify signals and allow drones to operate in a network or coordinate their flights more effectively. In a war context, such systems can provide guidance or coordinate actions against infrastructure assets, including in the energy and railway sectors.

“Today he has repeaters on his towers – Russian repeaters, Belarusian ones. What difference does it make to us? On his territory, along two regions bordering Ukraine, there is equipment that directs fire at the Ukrainian civilian population.”

– Volodymyr Zelensky

Zelensky stressed that a week should be enough to meet the demand, and the daily losses among civilians push toward decisive steps if the Belarusian partner does not comply.

“Turn it off, take it down, and show us that it has been removed. And we will have finished this matter.”

– Volodymyr Zelensky

On Monday he repeated his ultimatum in an interview with the 1+1 channel and explained that the public signal should signify readiness to remove the problem if no response is forthcoming.

Where exactly are the repeaters located and what are the consequences of their operation

According to Zelensky, four repeaters are located in the Gomel and Brest regions near the Ukrainian border. According to the president, it is precisely thanks to such equipment that strikes were carried out against Zhytomyr, Rivne and Volyn regions, as well as against the energy sector and the railway, in particular the Korosten–Kovel line.

Radio-communications experts had previously noted that Ukraine had already destroyed similar repeaters after attacks on the railway at the end of 2025, which practically paralyzed a key stretch of cross-border rail links.

Belarusian authorities have not yet issued official comments on Zelensky’s statements, but Gomel region head Ivan Krupko said that Lukashenko met with him and assured regional residents that they should not worry, and that the country would ensure the safety of citizens.

“We have enough strength and means to repel the attack of any aggressor. Everything will be done for the safety of our citizens.”

– Ivan Krupko

Russia’s reaction and the next steps

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Zelensky’s words aim to pull Belarus into the conflict and expand the geographic scope of hostilities, which would complicate a peaceful settlement. He also stressed the existence of a treaty between Moscow and Minsk on security guarantees and readiness to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of an ally.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke more bluntly, calling such statements “threats of an aggressive nature” and said Moscow intends to support contacts between Putin and Lukashenko.

Official comments from the Belarusian side focus on the country’s lack of desire to become involved in the war, but at the same time emphasize the need to ensure the safety of citizens and regional stability.

In the broader context of the discussion, this centers on the role of radio-technical means in modern armed conflicts and their implications for regional security. While the parties refrain from open escalation, experts advise careful monitoring of the situation and adherence to diplomatic channels to resolve the dispute.