Russia Deploys Nuclear-Capable Missiles in Belarus Amidst Tensions With Ukraine

In a significant escalation of its military posture, Russia has deployed its latest nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system in Belarus. This announcement comes just a day after Moscow accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale drone attack targeting President Vladimir Putin's residence. Footage released by Russia's Ministry of Defence depicted the transport of the new missile system through a snowy landscape, accompanied by soldiers camouflaging their vehicles with netting and raising a flag at an airbase in eastern Belarus, not far from the Russian border. The deployment of these missile systems serves a dual purpose. It is a thrust to intimidate European nations and simultaneously prepares Russian forces for what could be a further escalation in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Notably, the placement of these missiles in Belarus notably shortens the time frame for a potential strike against key European cities. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed that ten Oreshnik systems would be stationed within the country, while Putin announced their active service during a meeting with senior military officials. During this meeting, Putin reiterated his ambitions to expand Russian control over additional Ukrainian territories, particularly focusing on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a stern warning of reprisals against Kyiv, asserting that specific targets have already been identified following what he claimed was an attack involving 91 Ukrainian drones on Putin's palace in the Novgorod region. However, the Kremlin has not substantiated these claims, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that no evidence would be shared, as all supposed missiles had been intercepted and eliminated. Notably, local residents in the region where the alleged attack occurred stated they did not hear any explosions or anti-aircraft fire, conflicting with the narratives put forth by Moscow. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha swiftly dismissed Russia's allegations as fabrications, urging the international community to disregard these claims. He highlighted a lack of credible evidence supporting Russia's assertions and emphasized that no such attack occurred. Interestingly, former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced support for Russia’s account of the alleged attack during a recent phone call with Putin. He noted it wasn’t appropriate for Ukraine to target the Russian leader's residence but refrained from criticizing Russia's narrative. This has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials, who feel that such reactions from prominent world leaders feed into Russian propaganda. As the situation unfolds, Ukrainian commanders reported that Russian kamikaze drones routinely traverse areas near Ukrainian governmental buildings, including the residence of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. An officer revealed that their unit shot down two drones over Zelenskyy's state residence in the Koncha-Zaspa area south of Kyiv, indicating the persistent threat posed by these drone strikes. Amidst these military developments, Ukraine is keen on maintaining diplomatic channels to resolve the conflict. President Zelenskyy met with Trump in Florida to discuss a 20-point peace plan that includes postwar security guarantees from the U.S., pending Congressional approval. However, there was little headway on the contentious issue of the Donbas region, which Russia insists must be ceded to them, a demand Zelenskyy has rejected. In a bid for a peaceful resolution, Zelenskyy proposed establishing a demilitarized zone, subject to a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days. Zelenskyy attributed Russia's baseless accusations to his productive discussions with Trump, suggesting that Moscow's narrative is an attempt to undermine any positive diplomatic outcomes. Looking ahead, Zelenskyy’s upcoming meeting with European allies in France on January 6 aims to address Europe’s role in peacekeeping efforts in the region. Observers note that any U.S. security commitments may be undermined if Trump continues to align with Russia's narrative. In summary, the deployment of nuclear-capable missile systems in Belarus adds a new layer to the already fraught tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as both countries navigate a complex battlefield of military maneuvers and diplomatic interactions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3