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You're not off the hook yet. They are persistently pursuing you.

Vladimir Podgol is putting pen to paper

You're not yet safe: They're continuing to pursue you.
You're not yet safe: They're continuing to pursue you.

You're not off the hook yet. They are persistently pursuing you.

In a recent development, the Minister of Defense of Russia, Shoigu, announced the deployment of a Russian military aviation unit on Belarusian airfields on June 5. This move has sparked concerns among experts and citizens alike, particularly regarding the potential risks associated with the increased presence of Russian Air Force planes in Belarus.

One of the primary concerns revolves around the fuel capacity of Russian Air Force planes, which is significantly higher than that of Belarusian planes. This implies that Russian planes will be present more frequently, potentially increasing the likelihood of an aviation incident.

Reports suggest that Russian army officers, led by the commander of the Russian Air Force, are coming to Belarus for reconnaissance. This has fueled speculation about the long-term implications of this deployment and the potential for increased military activity in the region.

Legal and political aspects of the deployment have been thoroughly analyzed by experts, with concerns about the potential impact on Belarusian sovereignty and regional stability.

A more immediate concern, however, is the safety of civilians in the event of an aviation incident. Historically, there have been instances where Russian pilots have made conscious efforts to steer failing aircraft away from populous areas, as seen in the 2025 Dhaka fighter jet crash involving a Chengdu FT-7BGI jet operated by the Bangladesh Air Force. Although this crash did not involve a Russian operator, the aircraft technology and historical context trace back to Russian MiG designs.

While detailed, widely reported historical cases of Russian pilots diverting aircraft from populated areas during crashes are limited, the actions of Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar in Bangladesh serve as a notable example of such behaviour. Despite experiencing a malfunction shortly after takeoff, Sagar attempted to divert the aircraft towards a more open area to avoid crashing into densely populated zones.

However, the potential for a Russian plane to crash in a populated area in Belarus remains a valid concern, given the increased presence of Russian Air Force planes in the region.

Dr. Milinkiewicz, a political analyst, believes that successful outcomes often arise from predicted and implemented dialogue. He suggests that open dialogue and cooperation between the governments of Belarus and Russia could help mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of civilians in the event of an aviation incident.

It is essential to note that modern aircraft fly over multiple populated areas, and the "Friend or Foe" identification principle ensures that the Russian S-300 defense system will not shoot down its own fighter. However, the potential for a civilian casualty in the event of a crash remains a significant concern.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritise the safety and well-being of the citizens of Belarus and take necessary measures to minimise the risks associated with this deployment.

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