Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark ultimatum to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, demanding the removal of Russian signal relay stations from Belarus within a week. “If he doesn’t do it, we’ll do it,” Zelenskyy warned, without specifying further actions. The stations, located in two Belarusian regions bordering Ukraine, are used by Russian forces to coordinate attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
Ukraine Bolsters Northern Defenses
Ukraine has been strengthening its northern border amid concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin may seek to involve Belarus more directly in the conflict. Recent tensions between Kyiv and Minsk saw Lukashenko apologize for past remarks and state Belarus does not want war. However, Zelenskyy questioned the sincerity of these statements, urging concrete action to remove the equipment.
Oil Supplies to Russia Targeted
Zelenskyy also called on Lukashenko to halt refined oil supplies to the Russian army, noting that Belarus has become a major supplier. “Today he is the main supplier, or one of the main suppliers, for the Russian army. Can this be stopped? I’m sure it’s within his power,” he said. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian oil infrastructure to undermine Moscow’s war capability.
EU Diplomatic Outreach Defended
European Council President António Costa defended EU diplomatic contacts with Russia, stating the bloc needs a direct channel to support Ukraine diplomatically. Despite pushback from some member states, Costa noted no “credible signs” of Russian willingness to engage. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is open to dialogue but will not accept ultimatums, urging Europe to change its approach.
Macron on Peace Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that Europeans would be present at any peace talks on Ukraine, emphasizing they are not mediators but firmly on Ukraine’s side. He stressed the need to first clarify the EU’s position before discussing representation.
Poland Strips Zelenskyy of Honor
Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced he would revoke Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s highest state honor after the Ukrainian president renamed an army unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which massacred Poles during World War II. The move risks a severe diplomatic crisis ahead of a Ukraine reconstruction conference in Gdansk. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Poland’s decision a “strategic error” that benefits Moscow.
Civilian Casualties in Kramatorsk
Russian shelling killed three civilians and injured six others in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, on Friday. Strikes hit near a high-rise apartment building and a car park, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.
Spy Arrest in France
French authorities detained and charged a 48-year-old Belarus-born man on suspicion of spying for Russia. He was arrested on June 3 while allegedly filming a drone prototype for a company supplying French and Ukrainian armed forces. The suspect reportedly sent a video to a contact in Russia.
