RT by @mikenov: RT by @mikenov: 🇷🇺🇺🇦🇧🇾 Zelensky’s one-week deadline to Belarus, “kick Russian forces out, or we will do it for you,” was never meant to be a dramatic prelude to all-out war. Belarus has NEVER been a neutral bystander. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, it has served as Russia’s most reliable logistical rear base. When Ukrainian jamming forces Russian drones off course, they often end up in Belarus before being redirected back into the fight. This is the same pattern Russia has used across its network of proxies. North Korea sent troops. Iran supplied drones and missiles. Belarus provides territory, logistics, and political cover. In each case, Moscow treats the

🇷🇺🇺🇦🇧🇾 Zelensky’s one-week deadline to Belarus, “kick Russian forces out, or we will do it for you,” was never meant to be a dramatic prelude to all-out war.

Belarus has NEVER been a neutral bystander.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, it has served as Russia’s most reliable logistical rear base.

When Ukrainian jamming forces Russian drones off course, they often end up in Belarus before being redirected back into the fight.

This is the same pattern Russia has used across its network of proxies.

North Korea sent troops. Iran supplied drones and missiles. Belarus provides territory, logistics, and political cover.

In each case, Moscow treats these actors as disposable extensions of its own power.

Ukraine’s message to Lukashenko is simple: that arrangement is no longer cost-free.

What changed the equation? Ukraine’s expanding long-range drone capability.

6 months ago, credible strikes deep inside Belarus were difficult.

Today, they’re realistic.

The smartest Ukrainian play is not to flatten Belarusian oil infrastructure or drag the country into open war (probably counterproductive).

Instead, the more credible strategy is to borrow Iran’s own playbook vs the U.S.:

Limited but precise strikes against Russian military targets inside Belarus; drone relay stations, storage sites, and forward operating positions.

This is how modern wars are increasingly fought: by pressuring the enablers and logistical networks that keep the aggressor going.

Ukraine’s ultimatum is a recognition of that reality and an attempt to start cutting Russia’s arms off one by one.

Ukraine’s ultimate goal?

To raise the cost of supporting Russia until even its closest partners start questioning whether the price is worth paying.

Source: Kyiv Independent, William Spaniel (YT), ISW / Writer: Claudio

— @MarioNawfal Jul 3, 2026