President Volodymyr Zelensky said that NATO should regard the Russian missile complex “Oreshnik” in Belarus as a legitimate target. The interview was published by one of the independent Belarusian media.
He expressed his position in an interview with a Belarusian publication.
“In my view, NATO should view the “Oreshnik” as a legitimate target. Ukraine will assess this threat. Lukashenko is making a big mistake. The question is not only about the “Oreshnik”.
– Volodymyr Zelensky
“According to Zelensky, the deployment of this weapon in Belarus is currently being turned into a show. “They haven’t yet brought in the entire “Oreshnik”, they have brought in the appropriate machines. And they are doing everything to scare Europe. But he (Lukashenko) is playing with fire, because after these steps, without asking Lukashenko, the Russians will bring the “Oreshnik” to Belarusian territory”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
The president also commented on the military exercises with the Russian Federation on the territory of Belarus.
“I know they are talking about military exercises with the Russian Federation on the territory of Belarus. Again. We’ll see how large they will be. But when they were very massive, an assault on Ukraine began. So all of this is certainly a major risk for Ukraine. And, I believe, a major risk for Belarusians”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
What is known about the deployment of the “Oreshnik” in Belarus
In September, during the “Zapad-2025” exercises, Belarusian and Russian troops practiced the deployment of the “Oreshnik”, drones, and modern combat methods.
By the end of October, Lukashenko’s press secretary Natalia Eismont said that in December the “Oreshnik” would be put on combat duty in Belarus.
On December 17, Putin stated that the “Oreshnik” would be put on combat duty by the end of 2025.
On December 18, Lukashenko stated that the “Oreshnik” has been in Belarus since December 17 and is taking over combat duty.
On December 19, President Zelensky stated that Ukraine knows exactly where in Belarus the “Oreshnik” will be deployed, and is sharing this information with partners.