MoD: 16 NATO flights over Belarus

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, from January 5 to 11, NATO aircraft conducted 16 reconnaissance flights over the airspace of the Republic of Belarus. The Ministry emphasized that the purpose of the flights was reconnaissance, not military action. These flights occurred against the backdrop of increased NATO control over air navigation in border areas and drew attention from Belarusian authorities, who declared their readiness to protect national sovereignty.

Context

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its own defense measures in response to the growing NATO naval exercises in the region.