Putin Pressures Lukashenko to Open New Front Against Ukraine — WSJ

Russia is pressuring Lukashenko in an effort to draw Belarus deeper into the war against Ukraine and potentially open a new front.

The Wall Street Journal reports on this, citing current and former Russian and European officials.

According to sources, Moscow seeks to use Belarusian territory as a staging ground to advance several strategic objectives.

The Kremlin’s demands include the use of Belarusian territory to launch drones into Ukraine and the opening of a new axis of combat operations in the west, to divert the Ukrainian Defense Forces from key areas in the east.

In addition, Belarus is seen by Russia as a potential staging area for operations against neighboring NATO member states, to test their defenses and undermine Western support for Ukraine.

The media adds that there are currently no signs of an imminent start to large-scale military operations from the north, but this scenario remains a relevant option for Putin.

To pressure the Lukashenko regime, Moscow is using threats to reduce financial support on which Belarus depends.

Ultimatum for Lukashenko

On June 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Belarusian self-proclaimed leader has one week to dismantle the drone signal repeaters located on Belarusian territory near the Ukrainian border.

“When Mr. Lukashenko says that he does not want to be drawn into this war, he must be honest, at least with his people. Because it is not he who can be drawn into the war. His entire country can be drawn into it. Drawn into it by Russia,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.

According to the President, one week would be sufficient for Lukashenko to remove the equipment if he truly does not want to participate in the war.

Zelensky also accused Belarus of supplying petroleum products to the Russian military.

The fact that Russia uses Belarusian territory to control Shahed-type strike drones during attacks on Ukraine was first publicly reported in January 2026.

The Belarusian military is also continuing work to establish the Southern Operational Command, oriented toward the Ukrainian direction.