07.12.2024, Minsk.
The decision to deploy the Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile system Oreshnik in Belarus was taken as a response to the actions of the US and Germany to deploy medium-range missiles in Europe, said Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces Sergey Lagodyuk, BelTA informs on December 7.
Lagodyuk explained that US and German officials had previously announced the deployment of medium-range missiles in Europe more than once.
“We have received a task from our commander-in-chief: together with Russian specialists, our military-industrial complex will further develop these weapons,” he said.
In early December, Russian President Vladimir Putin allowed the deployment of the Oreshnik IRBM system on the territory of Belarus in the second half of 2025 as the production of these weapons is ramped up. Minsk will have the right to determine the targets, while the system will remain part of the complex of Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Armed Forces.
Belarus believes that the moves by the USA and Germany have destroyed the strategic balance in the European part. As a retaliatory measure, Belarus wanted to strengthen its defense capabilities by applying the newest developments of its main ally Russia. President Aleksandr Lukashenko publicly asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to deliver the latest military system to Belarus as well. Such an agreement was agreed at a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State.
The Oreshnik project is already being implemented by the republic’s enterprises. An important part of its components is already produced at Belarusian plants, noted Lagodyuk.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
