Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Russia Deploys Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missiles in Belarus
Russia has put its new Oreshnik missiles, which can carry nuclear or regular bombs, into service in Belarus.
These missiles are very fast and can hit targets all over Europe and even the west coast of the US.
Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, says they are impossible to stop.
Russia used one of these missiles in November to attack a factory in Ukraine.
Some experts think Russia is doing this to scare other countries and to make sure Ukraine doesn't get too much help.
Meanwhile, the US is trying to help Ukraine and Russia make peace, but it's not easy, and they might not agree.
Russia has deployed nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles in Belarus, a move that analysts say heightens tensions with Nato and expands Moscow’s reach across Europe and potentially the US west coast.
President Vladimir Putin claimed the weapons are 'impossible to intercept,' citing speeds reportedly more than ten times the speed of sound.
The intermediate-range missiles, with a reported range of around 5,500 km (3,415 miles), could potentially strike anywhere in Europe or even the US west coast from Russian territory.
Russia first used the Oreshnik missile in November 2024 to attack a factory in Dnipro, Ukraine, marking a significant escalation and posing a major challenge to European missile defences.
The deployment coincides with ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the U.S. facilitating negotiations.
- Who
- Russia's Ministry of Defence, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarus's Defence Ministry
- What
- Deployment of nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles
- When
- December 2024
- Where
- Belarus
- Why
- To extend gains in Ukraine, deter Nato members, and negotiate from a position of strength
- Missile Name
- Oreshnik
- Deployment Location
- Belarus
- Deployment Date
- December 2024
- Missile Speed
- Up to Mach 10
- Missile Range
- Around 5,500 km (3,415 miles)
- Warhead Types
- Conventional or nuclear
- First Use
- November 2024 (against a factory in Dnipro, Ukraine)
- Potential Targets
- All of Europe and potentially the US west coast
Sources
Russia’s Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missiles Have Entered Active Service: Moscow
Belarus shows off deployment of Russian nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles on its territory
Russia deploys nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles in Belarus, raising European security concerns
