Protasevich’s detention: Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus released new facts

The special operation to detain journalist Roman Protasevich in Belarus wasn't carried out spontaneously, the decision was made personally by Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus Ihor Kyzym told about it on the air of Ukraine 24.

When asked how independently Belarus acted, Kyzym answered:

"I'll say frankly. Not only in Belarus but in my entire diplomatic career, it's the first time a plane has been stopped this way. Obviously, the decision was made at the highest level, no one else says otherwise. Aleksandr Lukashenko made the decision personally after the relevant structures informed him about the need for such a step, etc. It is obvious that the operation wasn't carried out spontaneously, it was being prepared. The decision was being made by Aleksandr Lukashenko, and it has been proved."

To recap, a Ryanair plane flying from Athens to Vilnius landed at Minsk National Airport in Minsk; the pilots gave an alarm because they received a message about a bomb on board.

A sapper service arrived at the airport but didn't find any explosive devices.

Opposition journalist Roman Protasevich was arrested at the time.