Russian reconnaissance plane damaged by explosions at Belarusian airfield in Machulishchy – Belarusian opposition

This was reported on the Belarusian opposition Telegram channel BYPOL.

"According to the information received from the Peramoha plan participants, this morning there were 2 explosions at the Machulishchy military airfield located 12 km from Minsk; a Russian military A-50 aircraft was  damaged as a result," the message reads.

It is noted that the A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft was damaged.  As a result of the explosions, the front and central parts of the aircraft were damaged, the avionics and the radar antenna were seriously damaged.

 "This happened while the snow removal equipment was working near the aircraft. Probably, as it happened many times before at Russian military facilities, someone did not observe fire safety measures," the channel comments.

Local residents report a large number of military personnel checking all passing cars in the area of the airfield.

Telegram channel Motolko Help reports that, according to locals, the explosions occurred between 8:00 and 9:30 in the morning. There is also information about an explosion at night; it is yet to be confirmed.

According to updated information, all messages related to explosions and inspections at the airfield were deleted in the Machulishchy city chat.

"In the afternoon, the Machulishchy chat was censored – absolutely all messages regarding explosions, law enforcement officers with weapons and body armor, police checking cars and driver’s licenses were deleted, as well as info regarding vehicles of the internal troops," Motolko Help reported at 5:53 p.m.

Currently in Machulishchy, cars, drivers' licenses, trunks and mobile phones are being checked, traffic police posts are at the exits to the nearest settlements.

Also, locals report that law enforcement officers in full gear have started inspecting apartments and looking for the culprits following their own lists.

In addition, a helicopter patrolled the outskirts of Machulishchy for more than an hour and a half.

• On February 25, an echelon with equipment and servicemen of the Russian forces left Slonim in Belarus and headed to Rostov Oblast.