Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning to the US, stating that if Washington deploys long-range missiles in Germany starting in 2026, Russia will respond by stationing similar missiles near Western targets. This announcement comes after the US and Germany confirmed plans for deploying long-range fire capabilities, including SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles, in Germany as part of Nato defense efforts.
During a speech on Russian Navy Day in St. Petersburg, Putin accused the US of risking a cold war-style missile crisis with its actions. He expressed concern over the short flight time of these missiles to Russian targets, potentially armed with nuclear warheads. Putin also criticized the US for transferring missile systems to Denmark and the Philippines, drawing parallels to the deployment of Pershing II missiles in Europe in 1979, which contributed to tensions during the cold war.
In response to US actions, Putin stated that Russia would take mirror measures, including potentially developing and deploying intermediate and shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles. He emphasized that Moscow would consider where to position these missiles if the US proceeds with its plans in Europe and Asia. Putin’s warning underscores escalating tensions between Russia and the US over missile deployments, raising concerns of a renewed arms race reminiscent of the cold war era.
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