Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday (August 1) that the first batch of mass-produced Oreshnik ballistic missile systems had been delivered to the Russian army.

Putin, who was talking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during their traditional visit to Valaam Island not far from St. Petersburg, said that Russian and Belarus military experts have been preparing positions for Oreshnik systems in Belarus to be deployed there by the end of the year.

The Russian leader said that his forces were advancing along the entire front line in Ukraine despite the West's desire to halt its offensive.

He also said that the Russian army had taken control of the town of Chasiv Yar in Ukraine's Donetsk region a few days ago, a Russian claim which Kyiv has denied.

"We need lasting and durable peace," Putin added.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VALAAM MONASTERY, REPUBLIC OF KARELIA, RUSSIA (AUGUST 1, 2025) (RUSSIAN POOL - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF VALAAM MONASTERY SHOT FROM HELICOPTER

2. VARIOUS OF RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN TALKING TO PRIESTS

3. PUTIN GREETING HIS BELARUSIAN COUNTERPART ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO / LUKASHENKO GREETING PRIESTS

4. CROSS ON LAKE SHORE

5. CHURCH DOMES

6. VARIOUS OF PUTIN AND LUKASHENKO ATTENDING CHURCH SERVICE

7. INSCRIPTION ON CROSS

8. CROSS AND CHURCH