Russia's Hypersonic Missile Deployment Targets Europe

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Russia is advancing its hypersonic missile capabilities with the production and planned deployment of the Oreshnik missile to Belarus, announced President Vladimir Putin. Belarus, a close Russian ally, will host these strategic weapons, potentially altering the balance of power in Europe.

Putin revealed that the deployment sites for the missiles have already been chosen in Belarus. This development comes after Russia's military announced the missiles have been successfully produced and are fully operational. Designed to evade interception, the Oreshnik can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, posing a significant threat to NATO countries.

This move follows a revised nuclear doctrine signed by Putin, which expands the conditions under which nuclear weapons could be deployed. The doctrine explicitly covers Belarus, signifying a deepening military alliance between the two nations as tensions continue to escalate with the West over the Ukraine conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)