Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on NATO to view the Russian missile system “Oreshnik” stationed in Belarus as a legitimate target. In an interview with the independent Belarusian media outlet “Zerkalo,” he emphasized the need for the alliance to assess the threat posed by this military deployment.
Zelensky stated, “In my opinion, NATO should look at the ‘Oreshnik’ as a legitimate target. Ukraine will evaluate this threat. Lukashenko is making a significant mistake. It’s not just about the ‘Oreshnik,'” highlighting the broader implications of the situation.
The president criticized the current military display in Belarus, suggesting it is intended to intimidate Europe. He remarked, “They haven’t fully deployed the ‘Oreshnik’ yet; they’ve only brought in the necessary vehicles. But they are already doing everything to scare Europe. However, he (Lukashenko) is playing a futile game, as the Russians will bring the ‘Oreshnik’ into Belarus without even consulting him after these steps.”
Additionally, Zelensky addressed the joint military exercises with Russia taking place in Belarus, expressing concern over their scale. He noted, “I know they are talking about military exercises with Russia in Belarus once again. We will see how extensive they will be. However, when they were very large, an offensive on Ukrainian territory began. Therefore, all of this poses significant risks for Ukraine, and I believe, great risks for the Belarusians as well.”
Background on the ‘Oreshnik’ Deployment
In September, during the “Zapad-2025” exercises, Belarusian and Russian forces practiced the use of the “Oreshnik,” drones, and modern combat techniques. In late October, Lukashenko’s spokesperson Natalia Eismont announced that the “Oreshnik” would be operational in Belarus by December.
On December 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the “Oreshnik” would be placed on combat duty by the end of 2025. The following day, Lukashenko declared that the system had arrived in Belarus and was now on combat alert. Zelensky later stated that Ukraine is aware of the specific locations where the “Oreshnik” will be deployed in Belarus and is sharing this intelligence with its partners.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has urged NATO to consider the Russian missile system 'Oreshnik' in Belarus as a legitimate target, citing significant military risks. He expressed concerns over the ongoing military exercises and the potential threat they pose to Ukraine and Belarus.