Russia may begin deploying its newly developed hypersonic Oreshnik missiles in Belarus next year, according to President Vladimir Putin. Speaking in a televised meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Putin confirmed that the deployment could occur in the second half of 2024, as Russia increases production of the missile.
The Oreshnik, a nuclear-capable weapon, was unveiled last month after being used in a strike on Dnipro, Ukraine, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict. Putin noted that the missile’s deployment in Belarus would be feasible once its serial production in Russia is fully ramped up.
Russia had previously stationed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus in 2023, deepening their military collaboration. Experts suggest the Oreshnik can travel at speeds of 10 times the speed of sound and could strike targets up to 5,500 kilometers away. While tactical nuclear weapons are smaller and designed for battlefield use, they remain highly destructive.
Belarus is Russia’s closest ally, and the two nations have strengthened their military ties amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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