(MENAFN) A drone loaded with explosives crashed in Minsk early Tuesday, Belarusian officials have confirmed. The unmanned aircraft, which reportedly bore Ukrainian-language warnings and used components from Western countries, was brought down using electronic countermeasures around 3:30 a.m.

According to the Belarusian Investigative Committee, the drone carried a payload containing TNT and numerous ball bearings—materials typically used to maximize the impact of explosive devices. Fortunately, the drone did not detonate on impact, allowing authorities to recover and examine its remains.

Footage shared by investigators revealed inscriptions in Ukrainian advising against mishandling, along with electronic components believed to originate from manufacturers in Taiwan, Germany, and the United States. However, officials stopped short of directly blaming Ukraine, stating that the investigation is ongoing and more information will be shared later.

The incident follows Ukraine’s increasing reliance on Western-supplied drones in its conflict with Russia, with Ukrainian officials often touting their country’s advancements in drone warfare.

This development comes amid rising tensions between Kiev and its Western backers, who have expressed concern over recent efforts by Ukrainian leadership to tighten control over anti-corruption agencies. As a result, parts of the country’s foreign aid have reportedly been frozen to push for a policy reversal.

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