Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning to the United States, threatening to restart the production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons if the US deploys long-range missiles in Germany. The US announced plans to deploy long-range missiles in Germany starting in 2026, including SM-6, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons. Putin stated that if the US proceeds with this plan, Russia will respond by stationing similar missiles within striking distance of the West.
The relationship between the US and Russia has been strained following the withdrawal of both countries from the INF Treaty in 2019. Putin, who sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, views the conflict as part of a historic struggle against Western encroachment on Russia’s sphere of influence. The US and Western nations see Putin’s actions as imperialistic and have vowed to defeat Russia in the conflict.
The situation between Russia and the US has been compared to the Cuban Missile Crisis, with diplomats from both sides acknowledging that relations are at an all-time low. The deployment of missiles in Europe echoes events from the Cold War era when Pershing II missiles were stationed in Western Europe in the 1970s and 1980s. Putin views the US’s actions as a direct confrontation reminiscent of the Cold War.
The Kremlin has warned that European capitals could become targets for Russian missiles if the US goes ahead with its deployment plans. The escalating tensions between the two nuclear powers are raising concerns of a return to a Cold War-style confrontation with potentially devastating consequences.
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