US researchers believe that Russia is likely deploying new hypersonic ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads at an old airbase in eastern Belarus, thereby expanding Moscow's attack capability to Europe. This assessment was made after analyzing commercial satellite images, showing signs of suitability for a strategic Russian missile base.
Two researchers Jeffrey Lewis and Decker Eveleth said they based on images provided by Planet Labs, in which typical infrastructure items for the deployment of the Oreshnik mobile missile launcher appeared. According to their assessment, up to 90% of the chances are that the Oreshnik launchers will be deployed at an old air base near Krichev city, about 307km from the capital Minsk of Belarus. This assessment is considered consistent with the broader assessment of US intelligence, according to a source who understands the issue.
Russian President Vladimir Putin once announced his intention to deploy the Oreshnik medium-range missile in Belarus. This type of missile is said to have a range of up to about 5,500km and reach speeds exceeding Mach 10, making interception very difficult. Mr. Putin emphasized that the deployment of this weapon aims to expand Russia's reach deeper into Europe.
After a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Mr. Putin said that Oreshnik missiles could be deployed in Belarus in the second half of the year, marking the first time Russia has deployed nuclear weapons outside its territory since the Cold War.
Mr. Lukashenko recently said that the first missiles have been deployed but did not specify the location, and said that up to 10 Oreshnik missiles could be deployed in Belarus. US researchers believe that the location discovered is only enough for about three launchers, and the rest could be placed elsewhere.
According to experts, this move reflects the strategic adjustment of the Kremlin, in the context of Russia seeking to deter NATO countries from providing weapons to Kiev. However, some skeptical opinions argue that the deployment of Oreshnik does not bring significant military advantages to Russia, other than the meaning of reassuring its ally Belarus.
