Belarus Court Sentences Activists for Drone Attack on Russian Aircraft

Twelve individuals receive prison terms for their roles in a 2023 drone strike on a Russian surveillance plane at a Belarusian airfield.

A Belarusian court sentenced 12 people to prison terms ranging from two to 25 years for terrorism and extremism related to a drone attack on a Russian A-50 aircraft.
Belarusian authorities claimed the attack was an act of terrorism, while anti-government activists asserted they damaged the aircraft, though Belarus and Russia denied this.
Ukrainian national Nikolai Shvets, the main defendant, was sentenced to 25 years in absentia after being released to Ukraine in a prisoner exchange.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused Ukrainian security services and the CIA of orchestrating the attack, which he said caused only superficial damage.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, with Belarus closely aligning with Russia amid geopolitical conflicts.