Tensions between Russia and NATO have been simmering for years. The war in Ukraine only added fuel to the fire.
Now, Russia is making another bold move, one that has raised eyebrows across Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia’s new hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, could be stationed in Belarus by late 2025.
The decision follows a summit in Minsk with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, according to Hotnews.
The two leaders signed a mutual defense pact, strengthening ties between their nations as pressure from the West mounts.
Impossible to Intercepts
Putin described the Oreshnik as a "formidable" weapon and said its deployment in Belarus would become feasible as mass production increases.
The missile, he claimed, is impossible to intercept and has a destructive capability rivaling nuclear arms, even with conventional warheads.
The announcement came with a clear warning. According to Putin, Belarus will have input on selecting potential targets for the missiles.
With NATO-member countries Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania on Belarus's borders, this decision is likely to escalate regional tensions.
Western experts, however, remain skeptical. Many believe the Oreshnik is based on older Russian technology, like the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, and may not be the game-changer Putin suggests.
This isn’t Russia’s first controversial military move involving Belarus.
Last year, Putin stationed tactical nuclear weapons there, marking the first time nuclear arms were deployed in Belarus since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, stated in October that any use of these weapons would require his personal approval.
The timing of the announcement also coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Union State—a political and economic alliance between Russia and Belarus. 'Putin praised the new defense pact, saying it would ensure the security of both nations and support peaceful development.
