About 30 launch sites prepared for "Oreshnik" - Lukashenko

Belarus may host "Oreshnik" missiles. Self-proclaimed president Oleksandr Lukashenko expresses hope that the system will have a "deterrent effect" similar to that of tactical nuclear weapons.

He made these remarks during a press conference, as reported by Russian state media.

Lukashenko noted that approximately 30 sites for "Oreshnik" have already been prepared, situated "close to potential targets." He declared that in the event of an invasion of Belarus, the response would be immediate, including the use of nuclear weapons.

However, he acknowledged that the use of nuclear weapons carries enormous responsibility, emphasizing that the "Oreshnik" missile systems are powerful but conventional weapons.

"If we have such conventional but powerful weapons, anyone thinking of attacking us with tanks - like the ones Poland is acquiring from Korea, America, or with other armored vehicles and missiles - will think twice. The response will be serious. There’s really no antidote against this weapon. It’s impossible to intercept or shoot it down," Lukashenko added.

He further stated that targets for the missile system in Belarus would be determined by Minsk, while the "launch button" would be pressed jointly with Russia.

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