Russia, Belarus to Begin ‘Combat Alert Duty’ with Nuclear-Capable Missiles

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced Thursday that his country will deploy Russia’s new intermediate-range hypersonic missile system.

In an address to the nation and parliament on Thursday, Lukashenko said that his forces received the Oreshnik system on Wednesday and will begin “combat alert duty,” according to BelTA news agency.

“The first positions have been prepared for Oreshnik missile systems,” Lukashenko said.

The Oreshnik (which means hazel tree) system was revealed in late 2024, deriving from Russia’s previous RS-26 Rubezh system, and capable of hitting hypersonic speeds of Mach 10, according to the BBC.

The information about the missile system comes from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of the system shortly after its first combat use against Ukraine last year.

The proper nature and full details of the system and its capabilities remain unclear.

This is a breaking news story. Updates will follow.