Belarusian leader claims Russia has deployed its latest nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile to the country, sparking concerns as peace talks with Ukraine enter a critical phase. President Alexander Lukashenko announced the deployment of the Oreshnik, an intermediate-range ballistic missile system, on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This move comes amidst ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, which have reached a crucial stage. The Oreshnik, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has been described as an advanced and elusive weapon, boasting multiple warheads that can plunge at speeds of up to Mach 10, making it nearly impossible to intercept. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that the Oreshnik will be operational this month, and he has warned of potential further aggression if Ukraine's allies reject the Kremlin's demands in peace talks. The deployment of the Oreshnik in Belarus, a nation with a history of hosting Russian tactical nuclear weapons, raises tensions and questions about the potential for nuclear escalation. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, but these efforts have faced challenges due to conflicting demands from both Moscow and Kyiv. The revised Russian nuclear doctrine, released in 2024, further complicates the situation by lowering the threshold for nuclear use and placing Belarus under the Russian nuclear umbrella. This development has sparked concerns about the potential for increased nuclearization in the region and the impact on regional security dynamics.
