Russian President agrees to proposal to deploy Oreshnik missiles on Belarusian territory

According to RIA Novosti, Russian President Vladimir Putin supports Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's proposal to deploy Russia's latest Oreshnik missile system in Belarus.

“Today we have signed an agreement on ensuring security using all available forces and means, I think that the deployment of complexes such as Oreshnik on the territory of Belarus is possible. Secondly, I think that this will become possible in the second half of 2025, when the serial production of these complexes in Russia increases and when these missile systems are put into service in the strategic forces of Russia,” Russian President Putin said at a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, which was held in the capital of Belarus to mark the 25th anniversary of its foundation.

Mr. Putin emphasized that, despite the fact that these complexes are part of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, when they are located in Belarus, the country's military-political leadership identifies potential opponents for them.

The Russian leader made it clear that experts must solve a number of technical issues, in particular, determine the minimum scope taking into account Belarus' security priorities.

“It will require minimal costs, remembering that Belarus still has certain infrastructure capabilities from the Soviet era,” Mr Putin added.

Belarusian President Lukashenko ordered the deployment of Oreshnik complexes in Belarus after a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State. According to him, the tests conducted by Russia had a “certain impact” on former partners and now opponents. The Belarusian president concluded that such a decision could “soften” some politicians who are ready to fight against Belarus, as well as against Russia.