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3d ago

Belarus Says Russia’s Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile Is on Combat Duty

The forward basing near NATO territory raises European security concerns given sweeping but unverified claims about range and nuclear capability.

BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN - NOVEMBER 27: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko enters the hall during the Summit of Collective Security Treaty Organization, on November 27, 2025 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Vladimir Putin is making a three-day state visit to the Kyrgyzstan Republic. During his stay will take part in a regular session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). Putin will also hold talks with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov to discuss development of the strategic partnership and allied relationship between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)
Chief of the General Staff of Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reports to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visits to the army command centre in the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in an unidentified location, in this still image taken from video released October 26, 2025. Kremlin.ru/Handout via REUTERS
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Overview

  • President Alexander Lukashenko said the Russian Oreshnik system arrived in Belarus on Wednesday and has been put on combat duty, without disclosing how many units were deployed.
  • Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said the system has been deployed in the country and that preparations are underway for it to assume combat duty, pledging to show it to media once that happens.
  • President Vladimir Putin said on Dec. 17 that Oreshnik will be placed on combat duty by the end of 2025, following earlier announcements that serial production had started and first units were delivered this year.
  • Russian official materials describe Oreshnik as a road‑mobile, medium‑range hypersonic ballistic missile that can carry nuclear warheads, with claimed range figures up to about 5,500 kilometers and Mach‑10 terminal speeds, though independent verification is limited and experts voice skepticism.
  • Russian and Belarusian statements frame the deployment as strategic deterrence and a warning to Europe, with pro‑Kremlin analysts asserting it can reach any target on the continent and Western outlets noting the post‑INF context and reduced buffers to NATO territory.