Ukraine's Defense Intelligence has confirmed that russia has deployed units equipped with its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile system to Belarus, adding another russian long-range strike capability to the territory of its ally.
Chief Lieutenant General Oleh Ivashchenko said the intelligence service had identified elements of the 101st Missile Brigade deployed in Belarus. The brigade is reportedly equipped with Oreshnik system, which russia has presented as a new intermediate-range ballistic missile capability.
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According to Ukrainian intelligence, however, the deployment does not currently indicate that Belarus is preparing to directly enter the war against Ukraine. Oleh Ivashchenko said the threat from the Belarusian direction remains low, with no signs that the Armed Forces of Belarus are preparing offensive operations against Ukraine.
At the same time, russia continues to expand its military presence in Belarus, which Moscow and Minsk have integrated into their broader Union State security framework. The deployment of Oreshnik-related units provides russia with an additional location from which it could potentially employ long-range missile capabilities.
Another development involving Belarusian territory: russia is reportedly using radio-signal relay stations there to support the navigation of Shahed-type attack drones during strikes against Ukraine. According to Oleh Ivashchenko, these systems help russian drones reach Ukrainian civilian targets and critical infrastructure.
The Ukrainian intelligence chief warned that if Minsk did not authorize the deployment of such russian systems, it could indicate that Belarusian authorities have limited control over russian military activities on their own territory.
Read more: Europe Wants Its Own Interceptor to Shoot Down the Oreshnik, With Ruta Missile Maker Set to Lead the Project
