Russia sends nuclear-capable bombers on patrol over Belarus

A long-range Tu-22M3 bomber, from Russian Aerospace Forces, takes-off to patrol Belarusian airspace (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP)

Russia sent two nuclear-capable strategic bombers on a training mission over Belarus on Thursday in a show of Moscow’s support for its ally amid a dispute over migration at the Polish border.

The Belarusian defence ministry said two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers practised bombing runs at the Ruzhansky firing range in Belarus. As part of the joint training, Belarusian fighter jets simulated an intercept, the ministry said.