Russia's Oreshnik missile system has assumed combat duty in Belarus, Russian Defense Ministry announced in a statement on Tuesday.
Specialists in launch operations, communications, security and power supply, as well as missile system mechanics had received relevant training before formally undertaking combat tasks, according to the statement.
The Oreshnik missile system is a new type of hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile developed by Russia. It can carry nuclear warheads and strike targets at a speed of Mach 10.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko agreed on deploying the missile system on Belarusian territory in December 2024.
Oreshnik missile system assumes combat duty in Belarus: Russian Defense Ministry
Recently released footage has captured a tender moment between caretaker and panda cubs at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
In a video filmed at the base's Star Giant Panda Nursery House, a caretaker is seen carrying one cub under each arm and placing them on the grass, allowing them to bask briefly in the winter sunshine. The cubs were then seen crawling and playing on a wooden log.
The Chengdu base is a world-renowned center for the ex-situ conservation of giant pandas. It also serves as a hub for scientific research, public education and eco-tourism. The institution is internationally recognized for its efforts to protect and breed giant pandas, red pandas and other endangered wildlife species native to China.
The panda cubs were born at the breeding base in 2025.
Caretaker carries panda cubs under both arms into sunshine
