Russian A-50 AWACS plane damaged in Belarus is beyond repair, Ukrainian official says
Oleksii Danilov (Photo:REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
The Russian A-50 Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) plane, which was damaged by Belarusian partisans at an airfield in Machulishchy, is currently out of order, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) secretary, Oleksiy Danilov, told Ukrainian TV broadcasters on March 7.
“In Machulishchy, a ‘thing’ happened to a Russian plane that helped guide missiles at our cities,” Danilov said.
“Thanks to this aircraft, they attacked the civilian population. According to our information, Belarusian partisans have seriously damaged the aircraft.”
While Danilov asserts the plane is currently out of order, Russia claims they damage can be quickly repaired.
“But given that Russia is under sanctions, we don’t think they will succeed (in repairing the aircraft),” the secretary added.
“That caused such an inadequate reaction from Lukashenko (the dictator of Belarus). His behavior is startling. We'll observe how events unfold. We are ready for any development of the situation.”
The Russian Air Force A-50U aircraft was reportedly damaged by a drone attack on the Belarusian airfield of Machulyshchi on Feb. 26.
It is from that airfield that Russian combat aircraft take off regularly, sparking air raid alerts throughout Ukraine.
Alexander Azarov, head of Belarusian opposition initiative BYPOL, said that the attack was carried out by Belarusian partisans.
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