Ukraine Explained Why Russians Are Deploying the 'Oreshnik' in Belarus.
According to Hvylya, this was reported by the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko, in a comment to Ukrinform.
He expressed the opinion that Russia is deploying medium-range ballistic missiles, the "Oreshnik," in Belarus not to pressure Ukraine, but to pressure the European Union and NATO, as well as to protect the system from Ukrainian attacks.
According to Ivashchenko, military facilities, specifically a surveillance and communication system, are currently being constructed on the territory of the republic for this purpose. However, these measures have not yet been implemented.
The Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) also explained that deploying the "Oreshnik" in Belarus without these facilities would result in the system serving only as a mockup. Minsk would not be able to use this weaponry independently, as it would remain within the unified command system of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces.
"The deployment of the 'Oreshnik' on Belarusian territory is a means of pressure primarily on the EU and NATO, not on Ukraine. Such a step will allow Russia to expand its capabilities for striking the capital of any European country and significantly reduce the missile flight time compared to a launch from the 'Kapustin Yar' test site," Ivashchenko stated.
It should be noted that intelligence previously reported that the Russians would place the "Oreshnik" in the Mozyr region of Belarus by the end of 2025. They will be located 120-140 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and 200 kilometers from Lithuania—the closest NATO and EU member state.
