"The placement of this weapon in Belarus is nothing but a measure in response to the escalation of the situation in the region and modern threats," the self-proclaimed president of Belarus said during the III Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security.
He also called this missile complex "one of the most dangerous types of weapons."
"Flight time — minutes. In case of a mistake or provocation, there simply will not be time to sort it out," Lukashenko threatened.
On Dec. 12, 2024, after a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko instructed the chief of the General Staff of Belarus' Armed Forces to ensure the placement of the Oreshnik missile complex on the country's territory and "competently" plan its use.
Later, Lukashenko stated he plans to place a "dozen" Russian Oreshnik missiles on the territory of the country, which Russia first used to strike Ukraine on Nov. 21, 2024, during an attack on the city of Dnipro.
On July 1, 2025, he stated that the Oreshnik complex would be placed in the country by the end of 2025.
Lukashenko also claimed that he negotiated about Oreshnik with Putin in Volgograd.
"In Volgograd, we agreed with our 'older brother,' Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, that the first Oreshnik positions would be in Belarus," Lukashenko said.
“You have seen the Oreshnik's work. By the end of the year, this weapon will be placed in Belarus.”
On Sept. 30, the Belarusian dictator likely demonstrated a model of the Russian medium-range ballistic missile Oreshnik for the first time. During a meeting with the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan in Lukashenko's office, a mock-up of the launch installation was noticed. Analysts believe it is specifically the Oreshnik.