Ambassador Antonov: Russia can deploy long-range missiles to all of Europe
A senior Russian diplomat has warned that Moscow could be forced to deploy missiles capable of reaching all of Europe if the US places new missiles in allied countries in the region.
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| Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov. Photo: AFP |
“We are very concerned that after the US decided to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, they could bring missiles to place on the territory of European allies,” the news site said.The Moscow Timesquoted Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov, said.
“We will be forced to deploy missiles. And the entire territory of European countries will be in the crosshairs,” Mr. Antonov said at the Henry L. Stimson Center, a security research organization based in Washington, DC.
In early February, the US unilaterally withdrew from the INF treaty, accusing Russia of developing banned missiles, but Washington said it could return to the INF if Moscow removed its violating weapons within the next six months.
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by Russia and the United States in 1987, which banned the two countries from developing all types of ground-launched cruise missiles with a range of 500-5,500 km.
Both sides have accused each other of violating the INF. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on March 4 suspending the INF. Putin also warned last month that Moscow’s missile arsenal could target US “decision-making centers” if Washington deployed more missiles in Europe.
“We do not want confrontation, especially with such a global power as the United States. I say this clearly and openly: Russia will be forced to deploy weapons aimed at the decision-making centers behind missile systems that could threaten Moscow,” Putin said.
Over the weekend, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and First Deputy Defense Minister, General Valery Gerasimov, expressed concern that after the INF, the US could continue to withdraw from other arms treaties.
Mr. Gerasimov also warned that Mr. Trump's announcement of the creation of a space force "could lead to an escalation of tensions in the military and political situation, giving rise to new threats."
