Russia Deploys Oreshnik Missiles and Nuclear Weapons in Belarus to Strengthen Deterrence

Russia has deployed non-strategic nuclear weapons and Oreshnik missiles in Belarus as part of a joint decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, according to Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu. Shoigu stated that this deployment has significantly strengthened the deterrent effect against the West, citing assessments by military experts. The measure is intended to reinforce Russia's security posture in the region and will be regularly reinforced going forward.

The deployment follows recent joint military exercises conducted by Russian and Belarusian armed forces between May 19-21, where the two nations conducted practical training on the use of these weapons systems. This military cooperation reflects the deepening defence relationship between Moscow and Minsk. Shoigu made these comments during a meeting with Belarusian Security Council State Secretary Alexander Volfovich in Moscow on May 26.

According to Shoigu, Russian-Belarusian military and military-technical cooperation is expanding across all areas, a development he attributed in part to what he characterized as the West's collective policy. The deployment represents a significant step in the military alliance between Russia and Belarus, positioning Belarus as a key partner in Russia's strategic deterrence framework.