Zelensky issued an ultimatum to Lukashenko: one week to remove communications equipment from Belarusian transmission towers - or Ukraine acts on its own. Not quietly, not through diplomatic channels. Publicly, in front of reporters, in front of the world.

Ukraine claims Belarus has installed relay equipment on its border communication towers, through which Russia coordinates drone strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. It isn't the first time Kyiv has levelled such accusations - but a public deadline like this, with an open threat of military action, is something new. "If he does that - we will act," Zelensky told a press conference in Kyiv.

Lukashenko, for his part, apologised for some earlier statements but refused to admit any military involvement. Belarus is officially not part of the war. The reality is more complicated: Belarusian soil was used for the Russian tanks that marched on Kyiv in February 2022. Since then, Minsk has claimed neutrality. Ukraine clearly doesn't buy it.

One week. If this is a bluff, Ukraine has rarely bluffed so far. If it's a genuine threat, it means the conflict is entering a new phase - with the possibility of an open Ukrainian-Belarusian incident. The region is watching closely. And with reason.