 Loss of the 50 aircraft in Belarus will limit Russian air operations in Ukraine. The loss of a Russian A-50U Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft A-50 aircraft as a result of an attack on the Belarusian Makulishki airbase will further restrict the air operations of the Russian Federation. UK Defence Ministry announced it on Twitter. On 26 February 2023, Belarusian Partisan Group, BIPOL, and exiled opposition leaders reported an A-50 mainstay had sustained damage uncrewed aerial vehicle attacks at Makulishki airbase, the UK Defence Ministry said. BIPOL reported two explosions and damage to the front and middle sections of the A-50 mainstay as well as the radar antenna. The role of A-50 mainstay is to build a recognised air picture and to provide coordination to adjoining fighter aircraft. Attribution and damage has not been officially corroborated. However, as the British Defence Ministry noted, the loss of an A-50 mainstay would be significant as it is critical to Russian air operations for providing an air battle space picture. This will likely leave six operational A-50s in service, further constraining Russian air operations. The UK Defence Ministry stated. British intelligence reported that while Russia maintains a significant number of troops in Belarus, they are unlikely to constitute a credible offensive force.