Russian-allied Belarus conducted simulated nuclear missile launches amid escalating tensions with neighboring NATO countries, showcasing strength during three-day drills with Russian forces. The drills involved deploying Iskander-M tactical missiles to field locations as a demonstration of power by the authoritarian regime. Belarus shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the missile unit of Belarus was undergoing training tasks to prepare for potential launches with special warheads for the Iskander-M missile system. The Belarusian Defence Ministry confirmed that after loading the missiles onto launchers, they covertly moved to a new area and conducted simulated missile launches at designated targets.
Video footage captured the Iskander-M missiles positioned on launchers, while warplanes executed simulated bombings with nuclear munitions on mock targets before returning to base. Additionally, Russian forces practiced elevating nuclear combat units to the highest alert status.
These drills followed an incident where two Russian warplanes intercepted an unarmed RAF spy plane over the Black Sea. The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed that a Russian Su-35 fighter approached the RAF Rivet Joint aircraft, activating its emergency systems, while a Su-27 jet performed six passes in front of it.
Moscow cautioned Britain against sending reconnaissance aircraft for regular patrols over the Black Sea in international airspace. The Russian aircraft were armed with missiles, contrasting the unarmed status of the British plane. Kremlin spokesperson Vladimir Solovyov urged Britain to cease Black Sea flights, emphasizing the potential risks involved.
Russia perceives NATO spy plane flights as reconnaissance for possible attacks by Ukraine. Kyiv reported a strike using Unmanned Aerial Systems Forces that eliminated 65 Russian special forces cadets in Donetsk, including the chief call sign “Buryi” from the Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences. The strike involved 11 drones carrying a combat load of 100 kilograms targeting the training facility.
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