Russia is completing the relocation of the “Hazelnut” to Belarus, but Western sanctions are still absent – Zelensky

Zelensky urged the West to take action against the deployment of “Oreshnik” missiles in Belarus

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called on the US and partners to influence Russia regarding the deployment of “Oreshnik” missiles in Belarus. These medium-range ballistic missiles pose a threat to the security of Europe.

During a press conference in Warsaw with his Polish counterpart Karol Nawrocki, Zelensky voiced concerns about the completion of the relocation of “Oreshniks” to Belarusian territory. In the context of the threat from Russia, he mentioned that Ukraine had provided partners with all necessary information about the location of the missiles.

Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine had long warned European countries and the US about the Kremlin’s intentions to place “Oreshniks” in Belarus and their potential threat, especially to Poland and Germany. He highlighted that it is currently impossible to shoot down these missiles with drones.

The President added that Kyiv had appealed to partners to impose sanctions against companies supplying components for the production of “Oreshniks.” He expressed bewilderment as to why there are still no sanctions against such suppliers.

Moreover, Zelensky questioned the West’s readiness to pressure Moscow not to deploy such weapons closer to Poland. He mentioned that missile attacks on Ukraine had already been launched from Belarusian territory in the first days of Russia’s invasion.

Information from Ukrainian intelligence indicates that the deployment of “Oreshnik” in Belarus is planned to be completed in the Mogilev region by the end of 2025. However, Zelensky draws attention to the need for urgent action to prevent Russia from being able to reinforce its threats in Europe.