Putin Warns US Missiles in Germany Recall Cold War Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed strong opposition to the United States and Germany's decision to deploy long-range missiles in Germany starting in 2026, likening the situation to Cold War tensions. Speaking at Russia's annual Navy Day in St. Petersburg, Putin warned that if the US proceeds with its plans, Russia would feel justified in lifting its moratorium on deploying medium and shorter-range strike weapons, potentially including enhanced naval capabilities. Putin highlighted that the planned missile deployments would place Russian infrastructure within striking distance, evoking memories of the Cold War era when the US stationed Pershing II missiles in West Germany. These missiles, capable of delivering nuclear warheads, were a source of significant concern for the Soviet Union until their withdrawal under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 1988. He indicated that Russia is in the final stages of developing its own medium and shorter-range strike weapons and would respond accordingly. In July, the US and Germany announced their joint plans for missile systems, which will include advanced weaponry such as SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles, as well as hypersonic technologies. This move has raised alarms in Moscow, which has previously threatened to abandon its self-imposed moratorium on deploying land-based ballistic and cruise missiles, a stance initially taken after the US exited the INF treaty in 2019. The INF treaty, a cornerstone of European security since the Cold War, was frequently cited by the US and Europe as being violated by Russia, leading to mutual withdrawals and escalating fears of a renewed arms race in the region.