MEP assesses the impact of the deployment of the Russian missile defense system on Belarusian territory
The RS-26 “Rubizh” missile, an experimental version of which is the “Oreshnik” (Illustrative photo: occupiers’ resource)
The deployment of Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles in Belarus does not change the situation significantly in the tactical or operational plane, but it poses a threat to Europe through nuclear weapons. About this for text by LIGA.net said Pekka Tovere, the former head of Finnish military intelligence and retired major general, and now MEP, Pekka Toveri.
“The deployment of Oreshnik is not a game changer at the tactical or operational level. Yes, it gives the missile the ability to hit targets in Western Europe 300 kilometers further. On the other hand, it brings Oreshnik launchers closer to NATO air forces and other long-range assets, making it easier to detection and destruction” the politician said.
Toveri noted that the Russian Federation has many other long-range missile systems, and therefore Oreshnik – the occupiers have only a few of these weapons in operation does not change the balance of power much.
The ex-military officer noted: “In fact, you usually try to have long-range missiles precisely to launch them from a safe distance.”
However, from a strategic point of view, the deployment of Oreshnik in Belarus is a clear signal from Russia, an attempt to intimidate Europe with nuclear weapons, the MEP emphasized.
According to him, this is also an obvious gesture of violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF): although Washington withdrew from the agreement in 2019 due to numerous violations by Moscow, the United States has not taken any action to deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Europe.
“Russia’s actions are a direct threat to Europe and a demonstration that they no longer abide by any rules of de-escalation. NATO must clearly demonstrate through exercises and the deployment of the necessary means that it is ready to destroy these launchers. The Alliance should also begin negotiations to build and improve its own intermediate-range nuclear capability,” Toveri said.
He acknowledged that such work would take years, but said it would “send a clear message: NATO is not afraid and will respond to Russia’s threats with a strong deterrent.”
Oreshnik is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. The occupiers used a missile without nuclear weapons to attack Dnipro and Lviv region.The association of former security forces of Belarus BelPol reported LIGA.net that now no confirmed information that the Oreshnika launcher is deployed in Belarus.Belarusian opposition leader in exile Tsikhanouskaya said LIGA.net in the context of possible preemptive strikes by Kyiv against Oreshnik’s logistics, that the blame for “everything that can happen” lies with on the regime of dictator Lukashenko.Read more about how Minsk is preparing for a major war against Europe and what is really hidden in Belarusian “Putin’s garage” in the text by LIGA.net.