Russia moves nuclear missiles into Belarus, satellite images show
Russia is believed to be deploying Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads at a former airbase near Krichev, Belarus, according to an analysis of satellite imagery.
Researchers Jeffrey Lewis and Decker Eveleth identified features typical of strategic bases, including a concrete area and a military rail transshipment yard.
The Oreshnik missiles have a range of up to 5,500km and were tested by Moscow in November 2024 against a target in Ukraine. According to experts, up to ten missiles may be stationed in Belarus, but satellite data confirms room for only three.
The deployment comes shortly before the expiration of the New START nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia. The Belarusian defence minister described the deployment as a response to Western aggression, while Western analysts see it mainly as a political signal.
The US and NATO have not yet commented. The move also comes in the context of US plans to deploy Dark Eagle missiles in Germany.
(reuters, pir)