President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia might deploy its newly developed hypersonic Oreshnik missiles in Belarus next year, following increased production.
Putin revealed this advanced nuclear-capable weapon last month after it was used to strike Dnipro in central Ukraine, significantly heightening tensions in the nearly three-year conflict.
“In terms of deploying such formidable weapons as the Oreshnik in Belarusian territory… it could become feasible in the second half of next year,” Putin stated during a televised meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk.
He attributed this timeline to the “ramping up of serial production” of the missile in Russia.
Russia has already stationed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus in 2023. Experts note that the new missile can travel at 10 times the speed of sound and potentially hit targets up to 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles) away.
Moscow, as Belarus’s closest ally, has intensified military cooperation with Minsk amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Read: Russia Warns of Increased Nuclear Danger from New US Base in Poland
Tactical nuclear weapons, intended for battlefield use, are smaller and less destructive than strategic nuclear weapons, which can destroy entire cities.
