Lukashenko says Belarus likely downed some Ukrainian drones

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko said on Saturday that his country's air defence had been put on full alert following the intrusion of what are believed to be 10 Ukrainian drones into Belarus.

He said Belarus reportedly shot down several of the Ukrainian objects, state media reported, but the ruler did not elaborate in this. The intrusion was said to have occurred on Friday.

"The Ukrainian armed forces violated all rules of behaviour and violated the airspace of the Republic of Belarus," Lukashenko was quoted as saying.

The objects reportedly entered Belarusian airspace in the eastern part of the country in the Kastsyukovichy area, he said.

"We suspect that it was combat drones," Lukashenko said. Aircraft and a helicopter were also deployed alongside the air defence on the ground.

The information could not be independently verified.

Lukashenko, regarded as Europe's last dictator, is one of Russia's most important supporters in its war against Ukraine. At the beginning of the war almost two and a half years ago, Lukashenko allowed Russian troops onto Belarus territory in the south. From there the troops invaded northern Ukraine.