8 months ago
Russia Deploys Hypersonic Missiles in Belarus
Russia is putting new, super-fast missiles in Belarus that can carry nuclear weapons.
These missiles can travel very far and are hard to stop.
This is the first time since the Cold War that Russia has put nuclear weapons outside its own country.
Some experts think this is just to show power, while others believe it's a response to other countries helping Ukraine.
The missiles are being set up at a former airbase in eastern Belarus.
Ukraine's president has criticized Belarus for letting Russia use its land to attack Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is trying to get more weapons from its allies to defend itself.
Russia is deploying nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles in Belarus, potentially strengthening its ability to strike across Europe.
The missiles, known as Oreshnik, have a range of up to 3,400 miles and speeds exceeding Mach 10.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy criticized Belarus for allowing Russia to use its territory to launch attacks on Ukraine.
Belarus has deployed equipment on apartment buildings to guide Russian drones to Ukrainian targets.
Ukraine is discussing financing interceptor drones to counter Russian drone attacks.
- Who
- Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, US, Germany, Britain, France
- What
- Deployment of nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles in Belarus
- Where
- Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Europe
- When
- Friday (unspecified date)
- Why
- To strengthen Moscow’s ability to strike targets across Europe and deter NATO countries from supplying Ukraine with weapons
Key facts
- Key Figures
- Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump
- Location
- Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Europe
- Equipment Used
- Oreshnik ballistic missile system, Shahed drones
- Date
- Friday (unspecified date)
- Allies Involved
- Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, NATO, US, Germany, Britain, France
- Missile Range
- Up to 3,400 miles (5,500 km)
- Missile Speed
- Exceeds Mach 10
Quotes
Jeffrey Lewis and Decker Eveleth
Researchers from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and the CNA research organisation
“Can you imagine if we placed a nuclear-armed Tomahawk cruise missile in Germany instead of a conventional one? There is no military reason to put this system in Belarus, only political ones.”
firstpost.com
Pavel Podvig
Geneva-based expert on Russia’s nuclear forces
“I don’t see how this would be viewed in the West as fundamentally different from these missiles being deployed in Russia.”
firstpost.com





