In his Thursday address to the nation, Alexander Lukashenko announced that the Oreshnik missile system has been on the territory of Belarus since yesterday.
The article continues below the video
When did the Oreshnik missile system arrive in Belarus?
What are the strategic goals of cooperation between Belarus and Russia?
What did Alexander Lukashenko say about the criticism of the weapons deployment?
What is the Russian Oreshnik ballistic missile?
Oreshnik in Belarus. Lukashenko announces combat readiness
— Strategic protection is also provided by our military cooperation, primarily with the Russian Federation. Belarus and Russia are implementing a complex of strategic deterrence measures, said the Belarusian leader. He also recalled that tactical nuclear weapons are also deployed in Belarus.
— In addition, the first sites for the Oreshnik ballistic missile complex have been prepared. He has been with us since yesterday and is on combat duty, Lukashenko said during his speech in parliament.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also responded to the criticism of people who questioned the decision to deploy these weapons in Belarus, pointing out that they may become a priority target for the attacking party and that Belarus will now be in the crosshairs.
— Do not give in to those voices that strikes will be struck against nuclear weapons and nuclear facilities. What if they fight us? So, are they going to pat us on the head? They will give us blows. And they will ask them at decision-making centers. That is why we are doing everything to prevent war, said the Belarusian leader.
What is Oreshnik?
The Russian Oreshnik (Russian: hazel) medium-range ballistic missile is a weapon that Vladimir Putin likes to brag about. Already last year, the Russian leader spoke about its power. This week, during a meeting with the military, he said that the weapon should be operational within a month. He noted that Russia first used a conventionally equipped version of the missile in November 2024 to attack on the Ukrainian plant in Dnieper. Putin emphasized that the missile allegedly could not be intercepted.
Nuclear policy expert Maksim Starchak, however, is much more cautious about the Russian missile and explains what damage it can cause. “It looks powerful. But it doesn't change anything,” he says.
