Overview
- Belarus’s president confirmed the Russian-made Oreshnik missile system is scheduled to enter combat duty on Belarusian territory in December, according to statements carried by BelTA and RIA Novosti.
- He said any decision to employ the weapon would be made together with Russian President Vladimir Putin and cautioned foreign opponents not to provoke.
- Lukashenko described the placement as non-aggressive and said plans could be reconsidered if Europe takes comparable steps.
- He noted that initial positions for the system have been prepared in Belarus, following his December 2024 request to host new Russian weapons.
- As background, Putin said on November 21, 2024 that a test of the new medium-range Oreshnik missile was successful, and Lukashenko linked today’s stance to grievances over the Ukraine conflict, including claims of mass casualties and broken Minsk accords.