International-News

Russia warns: ‘Oreshnik missiles and possible deployment in Belarus’

New threat from Moscow to the US and Kiev’s allies. Putin announces deals with Belarus for new nuclear weapons

Russia has issued a new warning to the US and Ukraine’s allies, urging them to take the threat of Oreshnik missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, seriously. This new weapon, already used a fortnight ago in an attack against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, could be deployed in Belarus from next year. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of a meeting with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk. ‘I consider the deployment of the Oreshniks on Belarusian territory in the second half of next year to be possible,’ Putin said, after the signing of an agreement providing for mutual security guarantees between the two countries.

Moscow has already deployed nuclear weapons in Belarus, a loyal Kremlin ally since the start of the war against Ukraine, triggered by the Russian invasion in February 2022. Tightening relations with the West was Russian Foreign Minister Serghei Lavrov in an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson. Lavrov reiterated that Russia is ready to use ‘any means’ to avoid a defeat in Ukraine. ‘We defend our legitimate security interests,’ Lavrov said, warning that the use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile is a clear signal to Kiev and its allies.

Lavrov added that Moscow does not want to escalate the situation, but stressed that Russia will send further signals if Washington and its partners do not draw the appropriate conclusions. Last month, Russia tested the Oreshnik missile, which according to Putin cannot be shot down, during an attack in Dnipro. Meanwhile, new possibilities for international talks are emerging.

According to Afp reports, US President-elect Donald Trump may meet with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on the sidelines of the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame cathedral. Zelensky will attend the event and meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. A meeting with Trump, who will attend the celebrations, is also possible.

In parallel, Zelensky had a telephone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Prime Minister reiterated Italy’s total support for Ukraine and stressed the government’s commitment to the organisation of the ‘Ukraine Recovery Conference’, to be held in Rome in 2025.

On the domestic front, Putin announced a new governor for the Kursk region, the scene of a Ukrainian incursion four months ago. Deputy Alexander Khinshtein was appointed in place of Alexei Smirnov to lead the reconstruction of the area and deal with the crisis. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Khinshtein is the most appropriate figure for the region at this time.

The war continues to claim victims. Seven people died in a Russian attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia, according to local authorities, while explosions hit the Crimean Bridge, closed as a precaution after a Ukrainian drone raid.

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