Belarus cites reason for deploying Oreshnik missile system on its territory
Photo: Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin (video screenshot)
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin stated that his country has deployed the Oreshnik missile system in response to "Western aggression," according to the propaganda agency BelTA.
"The Oreshnik is deployed on our territory. This is our response to their (the West’s) aggression, aggressive actions, and their statements that they intend to fight us," he said.
According to him, Belarus does not intend to go to war with Western countries, emphasizing that "this will never happen."
He also noted that the Oreshnik missile can be used both as a nuclear and conventional weapon. Khrenin added that its range is up to 5,000 kilometers.
Oreshnik in Belarus
Last week, Belarusian self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko stated that the Oreshnik missile system is already on combat duty in Belarus.
According to him, the country already hosts tactical nuclear weapons, and the new missile system is now being added to that arsenal. He also said that Belarus could receive up to ten Oreshnik missile systems from Russia.
Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine knows the location of the new Russian Oreshnik missile in Belarus and emphasized that the relevant information is being shared with international partners.
The Oreshnik is likely a modification of the RS-26 Rubezh missile. According to unofficial sources, its range could reach around 5,500 kilometers, although publicly available information about this missile is limited.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that in October, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Head Vasyl Malyuk said that the SBU, together with the Defense Intelligence (HUR), destroyed one of three Russian Oreshnik missiles at Kapustin Yar. He added that the operation was secret and that only a few foreign presidents were aware of its results.
