A crucial investigation into who ordered a drone strike on a bus carrying young footballers could determine the fate of the Ukraine-Russia war.
Conspiracy theories are swirling about who chose to destroy Rechytsa Youth Sports Schoolcoach, an attack that could drag Belarus into the war raging across its border.
The soccer coach’s wife was killed with six of the injured young soccer players as they traveled from their hometown of Homiel to Gelendzhik, Russia, on Wednesday.
A swarm of drones were reportedly spotted descending on the team bus carrying 88 people to a rest camp near the front line of the conflict between Kiev and Moscow.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is in a delicate balancing act between his friend Vladimir Putin and Ukraine, has demanded to know the truth behind the strike.
“If someone is provoking us and trying to drag us into war, I think it will end badly for those who are trying to do that,” he said.
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“We are being calm. Some people don’t like that Belarus is a peaceful country, and that’s why all this is happening.
“We hear different statements, justifications and versions. But we need the truth. And we expect this truth or a true, fair, honest answer from state officials, military personnel and the Ukrainian people.
“In any case, we will prove the truth; it will not be a big problem,” he said.
Although Lukashenka says he is not rushing to any conclusions, at least according to him, the drone is of Ukrainian origin. But he suggested it could have been bought by bad actors and suggested the children should not leave Belarus without official permission.
Russia launched a terror investigation blaming Ukraine, while Kiev described the claim as “an information provocation by the Kremlin”.
At home, Belarusian newspapers criticized Lukashenka’s 24-hour delayed response, which was seen as a move to appease Ukraine.
Others even blamed the driver for the trip that was privately organized by the parents.
Dzmitry Aleinikau, deputy chairman of the Homiel Regional Executive Committee, blamed private contractors.
“The transporters chose a dangerous route that practically passed through a frontline area,” Aleinikau said.
The pro-government Telegram channel, Belarusian Front, even suggested that independent media had known about the attack in advance, citing an article warning of the dangers posed by drones in the area.
Is everything what it seems?
Political analyst Vital Tsygankou opined that the strike may have been a political move aimed at worsening relations between Minsk and Kiev, something the Kremlin will benefit from.
He added that the strike will shock Belarusians who have ignored the conflict outside their border.
“People will realize that the war is actually very close,” he said. And it is clear that the Belarusian authorities want to avoid inciting panic above all.
The whole message of Belarusian propaganda is: “We have peaceful skies; nothing is happening here.” But in this case, something is happening with the Belarusians, who have gone just a little beyond the borders of the country.’
Russia accused Ukraine of another drone attack on a bus, which it said killed eight civilians and wounded 11 others in occupied Donetsk.
(Photo: REUTERS)
Vladimir Putin It is said to be ‘actively pressuring’ Belarusian dictator Lukashenko to enter the war on his side, according to UK Defense Journal editor George Allison.
at the same time, JOBS for infrastructure that would be key to an invasion, such as roads and artillery positions, has been going on in the former Soviet state along the border with northern Ukraine for months.
All this has raised fears that Belarus, whose leader has been closely associated with Putin for decades, is prepared to go beyond vocal support for Russia to take an active part in the conflict.
Speaking from about 50 miles (70 km) from the Belarus border, Allison said subway: ‘Ukraine has repeatedly warned this year Russia is building military infrastructure in Belarus, including new roads and artillery positions along the northern border.
‘Kiev says Moscow has actively pressured Lukashenko to commit Belarusian forces to the conflict and claims to have details of direct conversations between Putin and the Belarusian leader.’
Allison said Russia had already used Belarusian territory to ‘step up’ its drone operations against Ukraine.
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