Russia's nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles now operational in Belarus

Reuters reported the information.

Belarus released footage Tuesday showing the Russian-made Oreshnik hypersonic missile system now stationed on Belarusian soil, marking a strategic shift that extends Moscow's nuclear reach deeper into Europe. The intermediate-range ballistic missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, were officially placed on combat duty earlier this month, according to self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

The video from Belarus's Defense Ministry showed mobile launchers navigating forest roads while specialist troops camouflaged the systems with netting, though the exact location was not disclosed. A senior officer informed crews of their new combat status and outlined regular training protocols as light snow fell in the background.

Western defense experts view the deployment as evidence of the Kremlin's increasing reliance on nuclear deterrence to discourage NATO countries from providing Ukraine with long-range weapons capable of striking Russian territory. Two American researchers analyzing satellite imagery suggested the missiles are likely positioned at a former airbase in eastern Belarus, putting major European cities within closer range.

Moscow first tested the Oreshnik system—named after the Russian word for hazel tree—against a Ukrainian target in November 2024 using conventional warheads. Putin has claimed the missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 10, making them "impossible to intercept" with current defense systems.

The deployment comes as Lukashenko has simultaneously maintained his alliance with Putin while opening communication channels with the Trump administration in Washington.