Lukashenko says Belarusian troops on high alert after ‘four aircraft shot down in Bryansk region’

Belarusian troops are on high alert after “four aircraft were shot down in Russia’s Bryansk region,” reported Alexander Lukashenko, in a meeting with the Belarusian military.

“Let’s take a look at what’s happening near our country, specifically in the air. We often discuss issues concerning the security of our state, specifically in its airspace. As far as I can tell, the situation is not critical. However, there are some alarming factors. […] I’m referring to [the events] in the Bryansk region, when four aircraft were shot down. We had to respond to this. Since then, we — our troops — have been on high alert,” Lukashenko was quoted as saying in the Belarusian news outlet Belta.

Lukashenko had not appeared in public for six days. He was last seen on May 9 at Moscow’s Victory Day parade and at a flower-laying ceremony in Minsk later that day. His absence has fuelled rumors about his health.