Strategic Détente: Russia and Belarus Prepare for Nuclear Readiness in Zapad-2025 Exercises

According to state media reports on Wednesday, the Russian and Belarusian military forces are set to practice the potential deployment of the nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile during joint exercises next month, as stated by Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.

Khrenin was quoted by the state news agency Belta saying, “We will collaborate with our Russian counterparts to plan the use of this type of weaponry in the upcoming Zapad exercise.” His comments imply that the missile will be simulated during the exercises rather than actually test-fired. The Zapad-2025 drills are scheduled to be held from September 12 to 16.

Previously, the Belarusian military had mentioned that the scaled-back exercises would include air defense operations, defensive combat situations, responses to incursions, and tactical aviation support.

Khrenin emphasized that the Oreshnik missile, along with other nuclear weapons, is considered a “crucial component of strategic deterrence” for Belarus.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had earlier requested Moscow to station Oreshnik missiles in Belarus, citing threats from neighboring NATO countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Germany.

After a private briefing with Lukashenko, Khrenin told reporters, “We demonstrate our openness and nature of peace, but we must always be prepared and ready.”

The timeline for the Zapad-2025 exercises coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement last year regarding the potential hosting of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus during the latter half of the year.

In November 2024, Putin ordered the missile’s test-firing in Ukraine, an action that some analysts viewed as part of a propaganda strategy aimed at intimidating Western leaders and their populations. Earlier this month, Putin also revealed the activation of Russia’s first operational Oreshnik unit.