Ukraine takes aim at Belarusian leader over Russian drone and missile support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the imposition of sanctions against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The decision comes in response to Belarus’s active support of Russia’s military operations on Ukrainian territory and the deployment of the Russian “Oreshnik” missile system in Belarus.

Zelenskyy shared the announcement on his Facebook page.

He emphasised that Ukraine will work with international partners to ensure the sanctions have a global impact. According to Zelenskyy, in the second half of 2025, Russian forces deployed relay systems in Belarus to operate strike drones, enabling attacks on northern regions of Ukraine. Many strikes on energy facilities and railway infrastructure would not have been possible without Belarusian cooperation.

The president also noted that more than 3,000 Belarusian enterprises supply Russia with critical components, equipment, and machinery, including elements used in missile production that have targeted Ukrainian cities and villages. Furthermore, infrastructure is being developed in Belarus to host medium-range “Oreshnik” missiles, which pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to all of Europe.

“Alexander Lukashenko not only provided Belarusian territory for the Oreshnik system. Last year, the country’s enterprises supplied Russia with critical parts, components, and mechanical support for this weapon. This continues into 2026,” Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that Lukashenko “sacrifices Belarus’s sovereignty to preserve his personal power,” assists Russia in evading international sanctions, and justifies Russia’s war. Consequently, Zelensky said, special measures will be applied against him.

By Tamilla Hasanova