Moscow is likely stationing new nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus, a development that could bolster Russia’s ability to deliver missiles across Europe, two US researchers have found by studying satellite imagery.
The researchers’ assessment broadly aligns with US intelligence findings, said a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share information not authorised for public release.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear his intention to place intermediate-range Oreshnik missiles, with an estimated range of up to 5,500m (3,400 miles), in Belarus, but the exact location has not been previously reported.
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Deployment of the Oreshnik would underscore the Kremlin’s growing reliance on the threat of nuclear weapons as it seeks to deter Nato members from supplying Kyiv with weapons that can strike deep inside Russia, some experts said.
The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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The Belarus embassy declined to comment. The state-run Belta news agency quoted Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin on Wednesday as saying that the Oreshnik’s deployment would not alter the balance of power in Europe and was “our response” to the West’s “aggressive actions”.