Russia has moved hypersonic missiles onto Belarusian territory, a step confirmed by President Alexander Lukashenko on December 18, following earlier deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in 2023.
Russian Deployment of Hypersonic Missiles on Belarusian Soil
Russian forces already had tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory in 2023, with Moscow announcing that the “Orisk” missiles would appear by the end of 2025. On December 18, President Alexander Lukashenko announced that new Russian hypersonic missile systems, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, had entered his country the day before and were combat‑ready.
Orisk in Zapad 2025 Exercises
In August, Minsk announced that it would drill the deployment of Orisk missiles during joint Zapad 2025 exercises near the eastern border of the EU and NATO, held from 12 to 16 September. Belarusian Ministry of Defence reported that soldiers practiced moving troops from one region to another, building bridges, and protecting and camouflaging chemical facilities. Warsaw expressed concern that Belarusian‑Russian maneuvers could threaten Poland’s security and closed the border with Belarus; Lithuania and Latvia reinforced their border protection. Some military experts noted that Russia could provoke destabilization during the maneuvers, recalling Russia’s use of Belarusian territory to launch its February 2022 offensive against Ukraine.
Russian Air Attack on Zaporizhzhia on December 17
On Wednesday, 17 December, Russian forces carried out an air attack on Zaporizhzhia, with bomb explosions injuring about 30 people, including five children, and damaging several buildings, such as a school. Russian aircraft also targeted the Cherson region, killing two civilians and wounding four, including a medical staff member. Ukrainian media said the Russian forces used drones and artillery.
On the same day, President Vladimir Putin warned Kyiv of continued warfare until the previously set goals were achieved and, during an extended committee meeting of the Ministry of Defence, claimed successes on the front.
