Zelenskyy warns of imminent Russian strike, issues Belarus ultimatum

Warning of 'massive strike'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday warned that Russia is preparing a new massive strike against Ukraine in the coming days, urging civilians to remain especially vigilant during air raid warnings amid continued Russian attacks killing civilians. He stated that Russian forces have persisted with strikes while confirming an "effective" Ukrainian attack on an oil refinery in Russia's Tyumen region — deep inside Russian territory — according to his evening address. "Tonight and in the near future, we must be especially attentive to air alerts: the Russians have prepared a new massive strike," Zelenskyy said.

Belarus accused of aiding Russian drones

Zelenskyy also accused Moscow of drawing Belarus deeper into the war, claiming that Minsk has installed radio repeaters near the border that assist in correcting Russian drone strikes against Ukrainian targets. He cited a thirteenfold increase in Belarusian gasoline shipments to Russia between January and May compared to the same period last year, alongside a tripling of diesel exports, noting that such industrial support strengthens Belarus's position in the conflict. "Belarus has time to dismantle this equipment," he added.

'A week is enough'

The Ukrainian president on Friday issued a direct warning to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, stating that Kyiv would take action to dismantle the alleged equipment if Minsk fails to remove it within seven days. "On his territory, along the two regions bordering Ukraine, there is equipment that adjusts (weapons) fire on our people," Zelenskyy wrote on the social media platform X. "He should remove that equipment. I think a week is enough for him to do that," he added.