Belarus says Latvian plane violated its airspace

By Ali Cura

MINSK, Belarus (AA) - An AN-2 plane from Latvia violated Belarusian airspace, the country's state border committee said on Tuesday.

In a written statement, the committee said the plane violated Belarusian airspace to a depth of 300 meters (0.18 miles) before returning to Latvia.

The violation of Belarusian airspace is not the first time, it said, citing violations by a Ukrainian helicopter on Dec. 4 and a Ukrainian drone on Jan. 24.

The committee also shared footage of the Latvian plane that reportedly made the violation.

The claim comes amid heightened tensions over Russian troop buildups around Ukraine and in Belarus, with fears of an invasion.

The US and its allies have warned of an imminent attack, and threatened Russia with “severe consequences.”

Moscow, however, has denied it is preparing to invade Ukraine and said its troops are there for exercises.