Russian nuclear-capable bombers patrol over Belarus

Russia sent a pair of nuclear-capable long-range bombers to patrol the skies over Belarus on Saturday. A mission was intended to underline close defense ties between the two allies amid tensions with the West.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the two Tu-22M3 strategic strike bombers practiced "performing joint tasks with the Belarusian air force and air defense." Su-30 fighter jets that Russia has supplied to Belarus escorted the bombers.

Saturday's four-hour patrol marked Russia's third such mission in Belarus since last month and took place amid Western concerns over a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine's border. Some Ukrainian officials have voiced concern that Russia may use Belarus as a base for attacking their country from the north.