New Russian S-300 SAMs are delivered to Belarus
IRYNA BALACHUK — WEDNESDAY, 22 JUNE 2022, 12:34
On the night of 22 June, a new batch of Russian missiles for the S-300 SAM [long range surface-to-air missile systems] was delivered to Belarus - at least 16 missiles, as well as probably one Pantsir missile defence system [medium-range surface-to-air missile].
Source: Belaruski Haiun, which monitors the movement of military equipment on the territory of Belarus, on Telegram
Details: The monitoring group recorded that two IL-76 of the Russian Aerospace Forces, probably from Pskov, arrived at Gomel airport at night.
The first aircraft (registration number RF-76650) arrived at 3:30 on 22 June, and the second (RA-78845) landed at 5:30.
It is reported that they delivered to Belarus at least 16 missiles for S-300 SAMs, as well as probably one Pantsir missile defence system.
Journalists note that missiles were brought to Belarus without tractors. The latter (BAZ-6402 tractors) arrived at the Gomel airport late in the evening on 21 June. It is reported that when the tractors were going along Sovetskaya street in Gomel, the lights were deliberately switched off along the whole street.
After unloading, at 6:25 and 8:00, the planes flew to Pskov. The equipment left the airport at about 8:30 and moved in the direction of Rechytsa [a city in Gomel Region in southeastern Belarus].
❗️A new batch of missile launchers for S-300 system was brought to Belarus at night.
— Belarusian Hajun project (@MotolkoHelp) June 22, 2022
This night, the Belarusian Hajun Project recorded the arrival of two IL-76MD of the Russian Aerospace Force at Gomel airport, presumably from Pskov.
1/5 pic.twitter.com/OrMFaHkaEn
Background:
- Belarusian troops are not directly involved in the war with Ukraine. At the same time, the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin is using the territory of Belarus to launch missile strikes on Ukraine.
- The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February was launched from both Russia and Belarus.
- Journalists and activists are constantly recording the movement of Russian military equipment in Belarus.
- On 10 June, Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, suggested that Belarusian troops may have to fight for the west of Ukraine so that it is "not chopped off by the West".
- On 15 June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting of the Commander-in-Chief’s office regarding the possible threat of a new invasion by Belarus, at which he issued orders to conduct a readiness check in four oblasts.
- On 17 June, Lukashenko announced that he had stationed ten units along the border behind the border guards so that Western countries "do not enter."
