The self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, announced the arrival of the Russian missile complex "Oreshnik" on the country's territory. The complex arrived from Russia last night and has already begun performing tasks on combat duty, according to information published by the state agency "Belta".
Earlier, on December 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the "Oreshnik" complex would be included in the combat composition of the army by the end of 2025. However, already in November 2024, the complex was used during an attack on the city of Dnipro. Experts reported that the missile was used without a warhead at that time.
Criticism and Expert Comments
The use of the "Oreshnik" complex has raised concern in the international community. The United States has officially confirmed the fact that Russia used this ballistic missile during the attack on Dnipro. President Putin hinted at the possibility of using the complex against "decision-making centers in Kyiv".
At the same time, in October 2025, the Russian military conducted tests of other systems, such as the Burevestnik missile with a nuclear power plant. These actions raise further concerns worldwide regarding Russian military programs.
The Background of "Oreshnik" Usage
According to unofficial data, the "Oreshnik" is a modification of the RS-26 "Rubezh" missile and has a potential flight range of up to 5500 km. In July 2024, one of the similar missiles was destroyed in Ukraine during military exercises at the "Kapustin Yar" range in Russia, confirmed by the head of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Currently, the missile complex is likely stationed in Belarus, increasing the threat level in the region. Lukashenko claims that this is in accordance with previously reached agreements with Putin.
