Putin Announces Deployment of Oreshnik Missiles to...

Putin Announces Deployment of Oreshnik Missiles to Belarus by 2025

Zim Now Writer

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to deploy the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile system in Belarus during the second half of 2025, according to Russian state media. The announcement came in response to a request by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a summit held in Minsk.

Putin stated that Belarus would have control over target selection for the missiles stationed on its territory, indicating deepening military cooperation between the two nations.

The Oreshnik system has gained attention following its recent use in a Ukrainian city last month, marking its first deployment in combat conditions. Putin described the strike as a significant test of the weapon’s operational capabilities.

This development highlights Russia's efforts to strengthen its military posture in the region amid ongoing tensions with NATO and Ukraine. Deploying the Oreshnik system in Belarus could extend Russia’s strategic reach, potentially altering the security dynamics in Eastern Europe.

Belarus, a key ally of Moscow, has increasingly supported Russian military activities since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. The deployment of advanced missile systems on its soil would solidify its role as a frontline state in Russia’s regional strategy.

The move is likely to draw sharp criticism from Western powers, who have previously condemned Russia's military expansion and its deployment of advanced weapons systems near NATO borders. The use of the Oreshnik in Ukraine is also expected to prompt scrutiny regarding the missile’s compliance with international arms agreements.

As the timeline for deployment approaches, the international community will closely watch how this decision impacts the geopolitical landscape and ongoing tensions in the region.