Ryanair flight intercepted: Russia supports tooth and nail its Belarusian ally

The thesis of a bomb threat which would have necessitated the diversion of the plane to Minsk airport cannot be called into question by the Kremlin, until an investigation proves the contrary.

On the contrary, Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, criticizes Western countries for judging and sanctioning Belarus without waiting to find out more.

Sergei Chirikov / Pool via REUTERS / File Photo

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2 min

Belarus refuses to change its version of the facts in the case of the Ryanair flight between Athens and VIlinus.

Its president Alexandre Loukachenko ensures that the diversion of the plane was done legally, because of a bomb threat.

The Belarusian regime is increasingly isolated, but in the east, it retains the unwavering support of its Russian ally.

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With our correspondent in Moscow

,

Daniel Vallot

There is no question for the Kremlin to doubt the word given by the Belarusian authorities. The thesis of a bomb threat which would have necessitated

the diversion of the plane

to Minsk airport cannot be called into question, until an investigation proves the contrary. " 

The Kremlin sees no reason not to believe the Belarusian leaders

 ", summarizes Dmitry Peskov. The spokesperson for Vladimir Putin who, on the contrary, accuses Western countries of judging and sanctioning Belarus without waiting to learn more

“ 

All of this needs to be thought about, we need to understand what happened. The Belarusian president said the bomb threat came from Switzerland, and so far we have seen no denials, no statements from European countries. These countries have no will to understand, and for the moment they are reacting much too quickly.

 "

Russia will not let go of its Belarusian ally, and the best proof is the meeting scheduled for Friday in Sochi, between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko.

On the shores of the Black Sea, the latter will seek political support, but not only.

Economic support will undoubtedly also be mentioned, because the diplomatic crisis caused by the hijacking of the Ryanair flight will undoubtedly have major repercussions for a Belarusian economy which is already very badly in shape. 

To listen: Belarus: "Europe must do everything to ensure that Lukashenko leaves power quickly" 

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  • Belarus

  • Alexander Lukashenko

  • Russia

  • Vladimir Poutine

  • Aeronautics

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