Belarusian opposition claims strike on Russian strategic plane, radio silence in Minsk and Moscow

This is “The Most Successful Subversive Action” According to the Belarusian opposition, from the beginning of the war. The latter claims that on Sunday February 26, a high-value Russian aircraft parked at the Matcholishchi base, a dozen kilometers south of the capital Minsk, was partially destroyed. The device is damaged “Two Homemade Kamikaze Drones”franceinfo Aliaksandr Azarau said the Belarusian group Bypol, a dissident network founded by former members of the security forces.

The front and center sections of the aircraft, electronic components and radar antenna were damaged. “We believe this aircraft is no longer flyable.Aliaksandr Azarau declares, however, that his men conceded “No‘They were too far from the plane to see the damage with their own eyes.”. These protesters have been working with drones since August 2020, “But they have to learn new techniques and skills.”The leader of the armed resistance continues. “They can’t buy sabotage drones online and have to modify the models themselves.”

The Belarusian Hayon Group, dedicated to monitoring military movements, Accurate (in Russian) This device, Registered RF-50608, arrived in Belarus on January 3, and made over a dozen flights. “If it is confirmed that the device was destroyed by Belarusian partisans, that would be great news”franceinfo reviews with Anton Motolko, head of the Hayoun project and founder of Motolko.help media. “The A-50 is an expensive aircraft and Russia has only six of the modernized ‘U’ version. So the loss of a division is a blow to the Russian army.”

“This shows that Belarusians are helping Ukraine to defeat the aggressor by risking their lives by doing these kinds of actions.”

Anton Modolko, Belarusian opposition journalist

At franceinfo

Since the beginning of the war, Belarus has provided aid to its ally Russia. Both countries have been increasing the number of military exercises in the region, and the Matsoulishchi base is one of several infrastructures made available. It offers II-76 transport aircraft, but especially MiG-31K fighters. These interceptors are armed with “Kinjal” hypersonic missiles, capable of covering 2,000 kilometers in ten minutes. Their slightest movement can trigger a wind alert for all or part of Ukraine.

A-50, the centerpiece of the Russian forces

The A-50s have a vital mission “To scan Ukrainian territory to find targets”Alexander Asarao explains, “Then to provide this information to other Russian airlines”. These devices, rare and expensive ($330 million), are used to guide missiles and detect anti-aircraft defense systems. Last month, the Belarusian military again broadcast footage of A-50 and MiG-31K aircraft taking off from the Matchulishchy base.

Dissidents of the Bipole group, whose numbers are kept secret “Anonymous people who fear for their lives”Explain Alexander Asarao. They were able to leave the country and find themselves “Safe”. At the beginning of the war, from February to March, they conducted a “train war” in Belarus, which was named “Peremoka” (“Victory”). “But myWe have decided to prepare other special measures.”Using a Telegram bot dedicated to volunteering, Alexander Azarau notes. “200,000 Subscribers”. Until we find supporters willing to take action.

However, at this point, no satellite documentation allows for visual confirmation of these reports, and the attack has not been confirmed by an independent source. In Minsk, it was radio silence. President Alexander Lukashenko attended a security meeting on Monday morning without mentioning an incident at the air force base. The previous day, The Ministry of Emergency Situations simply announced No explosion was reported. As for Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, he had no comment.

Operation of Ukrainian forces under cover?

“If you look at Lukashenko’s face, you will see that he is very upset.”Aliaksander Asarao, however, smiles. “Leaders don’t know what to say to their people, they think and try to make a decision.”

This episode, if confirmed, is not without consequences for the regime, for it will show, “once again”, That Alexander Lukashenko “Noe Despite the crackdown, the situation in Belarus has not been contained and has been steadily deteriorating since 2020.Comments by Anton Motolko. Bipol’s statements were quickly welcomed by the Belarusian opposition in exile. In a message posted on Twitter, Svetlana Dikhanovkaya told herself “Proud of all Belarusians who continue to resist the hybrid Russian occupation of Belarus and fight for the independence of Ukraine”.

“This act, if true, is very novel in form”Yauheni Kryzhanouski, an expert on Belarusian resistance movements, explains to franceinfo. However, the researcher did not completely reject the hypothesis of an operation carried out by Ukrainian forces under the cover of local resistance, in order to avoid showing direct intervention in Belarus. But he considers this option low.

“This drone attack, in any case, would be consistent with Bypol’s objectives: to weaken Russian military capabilities, to weaken Lukashenko’s position and to show Ukraine that the Belarusian resistance exists and is still active.”

Yauheni Kryzhanouski, expert on Belarusian resistance movements

At franceinfo

The analyst points to the general silence of journalists and bloggers who support the regime. ““We never talk about chess in Belarus.”Yauheni Kryzhanouski continues. “The authority will search all designated offenders before reporting information.”

“Lukashenko Uses Stalinist Methods”

Activist Kristina Maksimenko was arrested, according to the Center for Human Rights Vyasna (in Belarusian). “She was detained along with others who lived near the site.”The unknown organization explains to franceinfo “No official reasons yet” In these arrests. Debate platforms underwent a major cleanup by officials and the opposition press Nasha Niva (in Belarusian) to do Vehicle inspections are specified in many regions of the country.

On Monday evening, in particular, the authorities cleverly circulated a photo of a man from Crimea, accused “The most serious offense” In Matchulishchy, according to the media Jerkalo (in Belarusian). “I don’t know this man.”Aliaksandr Azarau was not surprised by the announcement. “Alexander Lukashenko uses Stalinist methods of repression and resorts to torture. The regime can arrest and beat anyone, make them confess to anything.”