Hypersonic 'Oreshnik' Missiles Reach Belarus as Apartment Blocks Turn into War Fronts

Your neighbor's roof might be guiding a missile. This nightmare scenario is becoming a reality in Belarus. On December 27, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using ordinary apartment blocks in Belarus to launch attacks and bypass Kyiv's defenses.

Human Shields on Five-Story Rooftops

Zelenskyy noted that Russian forces are deploying equipment, including antennae for guiding Shahed drones, directly onto the roofs of residential buildings in Belarusian settlements near the border. "It is unfortunate that Belarus is surrendering its sovereignty in favor of Russia's aggressive ambitions," he stated, calling the move an absolute disregard for human lives.

While Minsk hasn't formally entered the war with troops, its territory is increasingly militarized. According to a Reuters report, satellite imagery analyzed by Jeffrey Lewis and Decker Eveleth shows with 90% certainty that Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile launchers are being stationed at an airbase in Krichev, about 307km east of the capital.

The Oreshnik Threat and Peace Referendums

The Oreshnik missile, which Vladimir Putin claims is impossible to intercept, has an estimated range of 5,500km. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko acknowledged that up to 10 such units would be deployed as a response to the West's "aggressive actions."

Amidst this escalation, Zelenskyy is preparing for a high-stakes meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump this Sunday. He suggested he's open to a 20-point peace plan, potentially putting it to a national referendum if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire.