Overview
- Two U.S. analysts said they are about 90% certain Russia has stationed mobile Oreshnik launchers at a former airbase near Krichev in eastern Belarus.
- Planet Labs imagery shows rapid work beginning between August 4–12 and features consistent with a strategic missile site, including a fenced rail transfer point and a camouflaged concrete pad.
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the first missiles are on duty and later indicated up to 10 systems could be based in the country, though the identified site appears sized for roughly three launchers.
- Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said the system can carry nuclear or conventional warheads and cited a range of up to 5,000 kilometers.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using Belarusian territory and equipment on residential buildings to guide drones past Ukraine’s defenses.