Russia warns of retaliation against US missiles in Germany.
Russia would consider itself free from the moratorium on deploying medium- and short-range missiles if the United States deployed missiles in Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared in a speech to sailors at the Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg.
Earlier this month, the U.S. and Germany announced plans to deploy long-range precision missile systems in Europe. According to a joint press release from the two countries on July 10, the U.S. "will begin phased deployments of the Multi-Domain Task Force's long-range fire capabilities in Germany in 2026."
President Putin called the announcement "remarkable," as such a deployment would put important Russian military and state facilities, administrative and industrial centers, and defense infrastructure within range of the weapons. He noted that the flight time of such missiles to targets on Russian territory would be about ten minutes and that they could also be equipped with nuclear warheads.
Putin stated, "This situation is reminiscent of the events of the Cold War concerning the deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Europe." The Russian president warned that if the US proceeds with its missile deployment plan, Russia will respond accordingly.
"If the US implements such plans, we will consider ourselves free from the previously adopted moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range offensive weapons, and will take steps to strengthen the capabilities of our Navy's coastal forces," Putin stated, noting that the development of several such missile systems is in its final stages.
"We will take similar measures to deploy [these systems], taking into account the actions of the United States and its satellites in Europe and other parts of the world," Putin pledged.
President Putin delivered a speech after greeting sailors and ship crews gathered for the annual Navy Day parade, the main celebration of the Russian Navy. He praised the Navy as "the reliable protector of our naval borders" and the pride and glory of the country. He stated that Russia's naval strength is achieved thanks to the efforts and talent of its sailors, and pledged continued support for strengthening the Navy's capabilities through training and personnel expansion, equipping naval vessels with hypersonic missiles, and enhancing coastal infrastructure, intelligence, and air defense.
