Russia deploys nukes that can hit EU capitals to ally country in huge WW3 escalation

Russia has agreed a deal with Belarus to deploy its Oreshnik ballistic missiles to the allied country, in a move that significantly escalates military threats to Europe. The hypersonic ballistic missile was first deployed in Ukraine in November of last year.

On that occasion, the missile was used in a precision strike targeting the Pivdenmash defence-industrial facility in Dnipro, Ukraine. Capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach-10, the deadly weapons can be armed with both conventional and nuclear warheads. The system's most distinctive feature is its ability to strike several targets simultaneously on account of t of its multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).

Leaked intelligence documents obtained by the website LIGA.net indicate that the missiles will be stationed in the Mogilev region of eastern Belarus.

The location Ofers strategic reach deep into both European and Ukrainian territory, poising serious security risks.

"There are agreements between the Russian Federation and Belarus regarding the deployment of mobile ground-based missile systems with the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missiles on Belarusian soil," the documents said.

"Preliminary information indicates they will be deployed in the Mogilev region by the end of 2025."

The missiles have a range of up to 5,000 kilometres, putting major European capitals such as Berlin, Warsaw and even Paris within striking distance.

If the deployment materialises, then this would mark the first time such a deadly Russian weapon system has been stationed in Europe. The move would expand Russia's strike capability towards NATO's eastern flank.

Positioned in Belarus, the missiles would allow Russian forces to bypass certain air defence corridors, offering shorter flight times and reduced detection windows for European missile systems.

Further leaks of Russian military documents also reportedly show that the Kremlin has ordered a batch of 56 Kalibr missiles armed with nuclear warheads.

Procurement papers obtained by the Ukrainian defence magazine Militarnyi show the Kremlin placed a contract with the Russian Research and Design Bureau Novator for the weapons.

The order specifies that the missiles will be delivered over a two year timeframe that runs from 2024 until 2026.