Russian bombers fly over Belarus amid Ukraine tensions

By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV
Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia has sent a pair of long-range nuclear-capable bombers on patrol over its ally Belarus amid spiraling tensions over Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry said the two Tu-22M3 bombers practiced interacting with the Belarusian air force during a four-hour mission Saturday. The flight followed several similar patrols over Belarus, which borders Ukraine. The Kremlin has moved troops from Siberia and the Far East to Belarus for joint drills. On Saturday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed “that finding a diplomatic solution to the current tensions (over Ukraine) must remain the overriding priority.” Thousands also rallied in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, vowing to protect their homeland.