Lukashenko instructed to ensure the placement of Oreshnik in Belarus

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has instructed to ensure the deployment of the Russian complex "Oreshnik" in the country and competently plan its use. This was reported by First Deputy Defense Minister of Belarus Pavel Muraveiko on December 12.

"The instruction is one - to ensure the deployment of "Oreshnik" on our territory and competently plan its use," BelTA quoted him as saying.

Muraveiko emphasized that the situation in Belarus can't be called calm. This is due to the ongoing militarization of neighboring countries and the events in Ukraine, as well as the information campaign, launched against the republic in order to discredit the authorities and the leadership of the country.

Earlier, December 10, it became known that Alexander Lukashenko confirmed the presence of nuclear weapons in Belarus. He said that the launcher for the missile system "Oreshnik" in the country would be made independently, while the missile itself would be delivered by Russia free of charge in the second half of 2025.

December 6, Lukashenko asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply Russian complexes for launching the hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik. He noted that Minsk is concerned about the situation on the borders with Lithuania and Poland. He added that NATO forces are being pulled to Belarus' western borders.

In response, Putin admitted that the deployment of Oreshnik on the territory of Belarus is possible in the second half of 2025. He noted that this would become possible as serial production in Russia ramps up, and as they reach the troops.