Kremlin wants to use missile strike to draw Belarus into the war – intelligence

IRYNA BALACHUK – SATURDAY, 25 JUNE 2022, 13:03

On 25 June, the Russian occupiers launched rocket attacks on Ukraine from the territory of Belarus – 12 cruise missiles were fired from 6 planes.

Source: Chief [Intelligence] Directorate on Facebook

Quote from the Chief Intelligence Directorate: "In the early morning on 25 June, a massive bomb strike occurred on the territory of Ukraine. The Russian bombers ‘operated’ directly from the territory of Belarus.

Six Tu-22M3 planes were used for this attack. They launched 12 X-22 cruise missiles. The missile release line was a district of the town of Pietrykau, not far from Mazyr, approximately 50-60 km from the state border of Ukraine."

Details: According to the intelligence data, the bombers took off from the Shaikovka airbase in Kaluga Oblast, Russia, entered Belarusian airspace through Smolensk Oblast, fired the missiles, and returned to Shaikovka.

The Russians hit Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts.

The Chief Intelligence Directorate also reminded us that this is the first time airstrikes have been launched on Ukraine from Belarusian territory.

"Today’s attack is linked to the Kremlin’s attempts to drag Belarus into the war with Ukraine as a direct participant," states the intelligence.

Background:

•       On 24 June the Chief Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reported that Russian sabotage groups have arrived in Mazyr. The sabotage groups are planning the bombings of apartment blocks, schools and hospitals there. According to the intelligence, such provocations may be presented as Ukraine’s alleged response to the airstrikes.
•       On the morning of 25 June, the occupiers fired nearly 30 missiles on military units and facilities in Zhytomyr Oblast, killing one soldier.
•       According to information from Pivnich (North) Operational Command, a massive rocket attack was launched on Chernihiv Oblast at about 05:00. From the territory of Belarus, the village of Desna was hit by 20 missiles launched from aircraft and from the ground.
•       Maksym Kozytskyi, the head of the Lviv Oblast Military Administration, reported that the Russians had fired four missiles on the Yavoriv district, two of which were hit by the Ukrainian air defence.
• Earlier, British intelligence reported that from early June, Russia's top command is likely to remove several generals from key operational command positions in the war in Ukraine. It was noted that the command of the Southern Military District will probably now pass to Colonel General Sergei Surovikin. The Southern Military District continues to play a central role in Russia's offensive in Donbas.