At a Glance
- Belarus now hosts Russia’s Oreshnik missile, a 5,000-km range system.
- The system is slated for combat duty before year’s end.
- U.S. peace talks with Ukraine hit a critical juncture.
- Why it matters: The deployment could shift leverage in stalled negotiations.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the Oreshnik missile system has entered active service in Belarus, while U.S. leaders push for a resolution to the nearly four-year war in Ukraine.
Belarus Activates Oreshnik Missile System
The ministry released a video showing mobile intermediate-range ballistic missiles traversing a forest during training exercises. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated:
> “The Oreshnik will enter combat duty before the year’s end.”
- Range: up to 5,000 km (3,100 miles)
- Speed: up to Mach 10 in multiple warheads
- Deployment: up to 10 systems may be stationed in Belarus
- Deployment time: only 11 minutes to a Polish air base, 17 minutes to Brussels
U.S. Peace Talks Reach Pivotal Stage
President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort, insisting the parties were “closer than ever before” to a settlement. Yet, Moscow and Kyiv remain deeply divided over key issues.
| Issue | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal of forces | Unresolved | Determines future front lines |
| Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant | Contested | Potential security crisis |
| Western missile support for Ukraine | Ongoing | Could trigger Russian retaliation |
Key Takeaways
- Belarus now operates a 5,000-km range missile system.
- The Oreshnik’s deployment aligns with Russia’s broader nuclear strategy.
- U.S. peace negotiations are at a turning point, with critical issues still unresolved.
The move underscores how missile deployments can influence diplomatic dynamics amid an ongoing conflict.
Follow News Of Austin‘s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
