The Kremlin has strongly criticized recent comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toward Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, describing them as a deliberate effort to intensify tensions in the region amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
According to a report by Kyiv Post on June 22, 2026, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Zelensky’s remarks, claiming they were aimed at fueling hostilities rather than promoting stability. He accused the Ukrainian leader of making confrontational statements directed at Belarus.
Peskov revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to hold talks with Lukashenko in the near future. He noted that the meeting would allow both leaders to address what Moscow considers security concerns involving Belarus and discuss broader regional developments.
“This will be a good opportunity to discuss Kyiv’s threats to Minsk and other issues,” Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesman also accused Zelensky of interfering in Belarusian affairs and characterized the Ukrainian president’s warning as excessively hostile. He maintained that Belarus remains capable of safeguarding its sovereignty without external pressure.
“But we have no doubt that the leadership of Belarus and Belarus itself can ensure its sovereignty,” Peskov said.
The dispute followed Zelensky’s demand that Belarus remove Russian military-related equipment allegedly positioned near the Ukrainian border. According to Ukraine, Russian signal relay systems operating from Belarusian territory are helping coordinate Shahed drone attacks against Ukrainian targets.
Zelensky warned that Kyiv would take action if the equipment remained operational.
“If he does not want to be in this war, let him remove that equipment and switch it off,” Zelensky said.
While Belarus has provided support to Russia in certain areas, Lukashenko has repeatedly insisted that his country will not directly enter the war. The latest exchange underscores continuing disagreements over Belarus’ involvement in the conflict and its relationship with both Moscow and Kyiv.
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