A Russian nuclear-capable missile system has been placed on operational duty in Belarus, raising fresh security concerns across Europe.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday that the Oreshnik missile, a hypersonic, nuclear-capable weapon, is now in active service on Belarusian territory. The ministry did not disclose how many missiles were deployed or their exact locations.
According to Russian sources cited by international media, an Oreshnik launch from Belarus could reach London in as little as eight minutes, significantly reducing response time compared with launches from southern Russia.
Video footage released by the Belarusian Defence Ministry showed mobile missile launchers moving through forested areas, with crews camouflaging the systems using netting. A senior officer was seen informing troops that the missile systems had officially entered combat duty and would undergo routine training and reconnaissance operations.
The Oreshnik missile reportedly made its battlefield debut in Ukraine in November 2024. Vladimir Putin has previously claimed that a limited number of strikes using the weapon could cause destruction comparable to that of a nuclear attack.
Analysts believe the missiles are likely deployed in eastern Belarus near the city of Krychaw, close to Russia’s western border. Researchers in the United States said they were “90 percent confident” the launchers are based at a former air base approximately 300 kilometres east of Minsk, according to Reuters.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has publicly praised the deployment, claiming the system would strengthen his country’s security, although control of the missiles remains firmly under Moscow.
The deployment comes amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine and fragile diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Russia has recently issued sharp rhetoric against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while Kyiv has accused Moscow of using threats and misinformation to undermine peace initiatives.
Military analysts describe the Oreshnik as an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of travelling at Mach 10, carrying multiple independently targeted warheads, and designed to evade missile defence systems through unpredictable flight paths. Its range is estimated at up to 5,000 kilometres, placing much of Europe within reach.
The latest deployment is expected to intensify scrutiny from NATO allies and further complicate security dynamics in Eastern Europe.
