Ukraine war briefing: Russia setting up long-range drone bases in Belarus, Zelenskyy says
President Zelenskyy revealed that Russia intends to set up four long‑range drone control stations in Belarus, warning that Ukraine will respond. The move follows recent Russian strikes that killed civilians and intensifies EU concerns over Hungary’s alleged intelligence sharing with Moscow. Ukraine…
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russian forces plan to establish four long‑range drone control stations in Belarus. He warned that Ukraine would respond decisively to this escalation and that the consequences would be felt across the region.
Russia’s Drone Ambitions in Belarus
Zelenskyy’s statement came after a series of Russian missile and drone attacks that prompted air‑raid alerts nationwide. The president’s nightly address highlighted that Belarusian assistance had previously amplified Russian damage until Ukraine intervened. He added that intelligence now indicates Russia intends to use both Belarusian territory and temporarily occupied Ukrainian land to build ground control stations for long‑range drones.
Belarus’s foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment outside business hours, leaving the details of any cooperation between Minsk and Moscow unconfirmed.
Civilian Casualties and Ongoing Attacks
Russian strikes on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of two civilians in Poltava and a third in Zaporizhzhia, according to regional military administrations. Vitali Dyakivnych, head of the Poltava regional military administration, reported that residential buildings and a hotel suffered damage, with fires breaking out. He later revised the wounded count to 11.
In Zaporizhzhia, Ivan Fedorov, the regional military administrator, described a “massive combined missile‑drone strike.” The attack damaged six apartment buildings, two private houses, a shop, non‑residential buildings, and an industrial facility, killing one person and wounding five.
EU‑Hungary Tensions Over Intelligence Sharing
European Union officials have demanded clarity from Hungary after reports that Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó shared sensitive information about EU negotiations with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. The Washington Post cited former and serving EU security officials who claimed Szijjártó regularly called Lavrov during EU meetings to provide “direct reports” and suggest actions.
European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper called for the Hungarian government to explain the situation, emphasizing the importance of trust among member states. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for maintaining close ties with Russia, dismissed the allegations as “fake news.” Hungarian Minister of European Affairs János Bóka stated that it is normal for foreign ministers to communicate by phone.
Germany described the allegations as “very serious” and reiterated that EU discussions are confidential. The German foreign ministry warned that any violation would not be tolerated.
Russia’s Intelligence Support to Iran
Zelenskyy also addressed concerns about Russia’s continued intelligence sharing with Iran. He claimed Ukraine’s military intelligence had “irrefutable” evidence that Russia provides signals intelligence, electronic intelligence, and satellite imagery to Iranian forces, potentially prolonging conflicts in the Middle East.
The president warned that this activity destabilizes the region and complicates fuel markets. He called for an end to such cooperation, noting that it “only leads to further destabilisation.” The Kremlin dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that Russia was sharing satellite imagery and drone technology with Iran as “fake news.”
International Reactions and Ongoing Negotiations
Senior U.S. officials visited Kyiv for a meeting of the U.S.–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, aiming to launch the first investment project soon. The fund, created under a minerals deal signed in April, focuses on critical minerals, hydrocarbon extraction, and dual‑use technologies, with a target of $200 million by year’s end.
U.N. Under‑Secretary‑General Rosemary DiCarlo reported to the Security Council that 15,364 civilians, including 775 children, have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022. U.S. Under‑Secretary of State Christopher Landau reiterated the U.S. commitment to negotiate with both sides, calling for good faith, flexibility, and protection of civilian lives.
While bilateral talks in Miami aimed to find a path to peace, the war in Iran has shifted focus away from Ukraine, leaving the conflict’s resolution uncertain.
In summary, Russia’s plan to establish drone bases in Belarus, coupled with ongoing attacks on civilians and alleged intelligence sharing with Iran, has heightened tensions in the region. The EU’s scrutiny of Hungary’s diplomatic conduct further complicates the diplomatic landscape, underscoring the complex interplay of military, political, and intelligence dynamics in the current crisis.
Why it matters
The expansion of Russian drone capabilities into Belarus threatens to widen the war’s reach, while intelligence sharing with Iran could destabilize the Middle East. EU‑Hungary tensions risk undermining collective security efforts in Europe.
Key points
- Russia plans four long‑range drone control stations in Belarus
- Russian strikes killed civilians in Poltava and Zaporizhzhia
- EU demands clarification from Hungary over alleged intelligence sharing
- Zelenskyy claims Russia supplies intelligence to Iran
- U.S. officials push for investment projects in Ukraine
- UN reports over 15,000 civilian deaths since 2022 invasion
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the drone control stations in Belarus?
They would allow Russia to launch long‑range attacks from Belarusian territory, extending its operational reach.
Why is the EU concerned about Hungary’s actions?
Because Hungary’s foreign minister allegedly shared confidential EU negotiation details with Russia, potentially compromising EU security.
How does Russia’s intelligence sharing with Iran affect the region?
It could enable Iran to conduct more precise attacks, prolonging conflicts and destabilizing the Middle East.
