Alesin: Russian Su-27 can attack southern Ukraine from Belarus

Russian fighter jets Su-27SM3 in Belarus can be used to support the Russian land forces in attacks on eastern or southern Ukraine.

Military observer Aliaksandr Alesin spoke to charter97.org about the remark by Lukashenka, who said he was ready to accept 24 more combat aircraft from Russia.

“If Russia decided to have a military operation in eastern or southern Ukraine, it can use multi-function fighter jets Su-27SM3 to support its land forces. A group of them is stationed in Belarus. A squadron and a regiment will arrive by the end of the year. These aircraft can support land forces, destroy air defence, bridges, permanent defences, bunkers and so on. If Russia carries out a land operation in Eastern Ukraine, it is likely to use these fighter jets,” he thinks.

The expert shared his opinion about Ukraine's preparations for an attack from Belarus in the Chernihiv region.

“The corner of the borders of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine is, in practice, a demilitarised zone. It doesn't have strong armed forces there. The Ukrainians will be unable to organise proper defence there without sending mechanised units from other regions. They should strengthen the district significantly and send there at least 100 tanks, some hundreds of armoured vehicles and several land force brigades if they want to have real defence,” the analysts says.

Lukashenka said to journalists on March 23 that he did not object to additional Russian military aircraft in Belarus.

“If the Russians are ready to give us 24 more aircraft, I will be happy,” the dictator said.