Moscow is likely placing new nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former air base in eastern Belarus, which could boost Russia’s ability to launch them across Europe, two US researchers said after studying satellite images.
The researchers’ assessment is broadly consistent with the conclusions of U.S. intelligence services, according to a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to share information that is not authorized for public release.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear his intention to site Oreshnik intermediate-range missiles, with an estimated range of up to 5,500 km, in Belarus, but the exact location has not been previously reported.
According to some experts, the deployment of the Oreshniks would highlight the Kremlin’s growing dependence on the threat of nuclear weapons to deter NATO members from supplying kyiv with weapons that could reach deep inside Russia.
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The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Belarusian embassy declined to comment. The state-run Belta news agency quoted Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin as saying on Wednesday that the deployment of the Oreshnik would not alter the balance of power in Europe and was “our response” to the “aggressive actions” of the West.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment and the CIA declined to comment.
Researchers Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California and Decker Eveleth of the CNA research and analysis organization in Virginia said they based their finding about the Oreshniks deployment on images from Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, that showed features consistent with a Russian strategic missile base.
With information from Reuters.
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