Russia warns of retaliation against US missiles in Germany
Russia will consider itself exempt from the moratorium on deploying medium- and short-range missiles if the US deploys missiles in Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a speech to sailors at the Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg.
Earlier this month, the United States 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 United States "will begin phased deployment of the Multi-Domain Task Force's long-range firepower capabilities in Germany in 2026."
President Putin called the announcement "remarkable", as such deployment would put Russia's key military and state facilities, administrative and industrial centers, as well as the country's 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 they could also be equipped with nuclear warheads.
"This situation is reminiscent of the events of the Cold War regarding the deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Europe," Putin said. The Russian president warned that if the US carries out its plans to deploy missiles, Russia will respond accordingly.
“If the United States implements such plans, we will consider ourselves free from the previously adopted moratorium on deployment of medium- and short-range strike weapons, and will take steps to strengthen the capabilities of our Navy’s coastal forces,” Putin said, noting that the development of some such missile systems is in the 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 regions of the world,” Putin pledged.
President Putin delivered his 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 a "reliable defender of our naval borders" and the country's pride and glory. He said Russia's naval power was achieved thanks to the efforts and talent of its sailors, and pledged to continue supporting the Navy's capabilities through training and increasing naval personnel, equipping naval ships with hypersonic missiles, and strengthening coastal infrastructure, intelligence and air defense./.
