Ukrainian Defense Official Denies Reports of Russian Drone Bases in Belarus

Official Rejects Claims of Drone Base Construction

According to ХВИЛЯ: Serhiy Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukraine's Minister of Defense, has refuted claims that Russia is constructing launch bases for attack drones in Belarus. He clarified that these reports stemmed from a misinterpretation of an article published by the American magazine Forbes on April 5th. The Forbes report detailed Russian military activity, stating that over the previous week, Russia had launched approximately 400 drones and dozens of missiles. The article also noted that these attacks resulted in the deaths of six civilians and left more than 46 people wounded.

Beskrestnov, a specialist in radio technology and electronic warfare, emphasized that information about Russia building airfields in Belarus to launch drones is false.

"I know nothing about the construction of airfields for launching 'Shahed' drones from Belarus. I am shocked by how the information is being twisted,"

he stated.

Misinformation Creates Psychological Pressure

Beskrestnov addressed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's mention on March 23rd of four long-range drone control points on the Belarusian front, which the advisor confirmed had been destroyed by Ukrainian defense forces.

"Such distortion of information, unfortunately, exerts psychological pressure on our people, who are already having a hard time,"

Beskrestnov added.

He also corrected a geographical error, noting the distance from Belarus to Kyiv is 440 kilometers, not 1,500. This miscalculation likely contributed to the confusion. The Ukrainian defense forces successfully neutralized the radio antenna control points referenced by the president, demonstrating that the situation remains under control despite speculative reporting. In the context of Russia's full-scale invasion, the spread of unverified military claims is a persistent challenge. Accurate reporting is crucial, as misinformation can sow panic and undermine public morale during an ongoing conflict.

As the situation evolves, the spread of misinformation remains a pressing concern, similar to how Russia has initiated new disinformation efforts aimed at disrupting child evacuations. Such tactics not only mislead the public but also create unnecessary anxiety during these challenging times.