Russia and Belarus conducted nuclear exercises using the Oreshnik missile system. Ukraine condemned these maneuvers as a threat to global security.

Russia and Belarus conducted joint nuclear weapons exercises on Monday, involving the hypersonic missile system Oreshnik, recently deployed in Belarus. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense stated that the exercise aims to prepare for the use of nuclear munitions, but emphasized that it is not directed against other countries. In the context of these maneuvers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered the strengthening of the border with Belarus, accusing Moscow of preparing an offensive. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned the exercises, considering them an unprecedented provocation to global security. Russia has already used Oreshnik in conventional attacks in Ukraine, and President Putin mentioned that his missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 10. The exercises come amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO, following the withdrawal of the United States from arms control treaties.