Russia resumes short- and medium-range nuclear missile development
- Russia announces the end of its self-imposed moratorium on short- and medium-range nuclear missile development.
- The decision follows U.S. military actions perceived as threats, particularly related to missile deployments in Europe and Asia.
- This escalation intensifies the existing nuclear weapons stalemate and poses risks to international security.
On August 6, 2025, Russia announced that it is no longer observing its self-imposed moratorium on the development of short- and medium-range nuclear missiles. This significant shift comes in the context of escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington over nuclear arms and recent geopolitical actions taken by the United States. Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement outlining that the decision resulted from perceived threats, particularly the deployment of U.S.-made ground-launched INF-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, which they claim disregarded previous warnings. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), established in 1987, had mandated the destruction of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles within a specified range. The U.S. withdrew from this historic accord in 2019, attributing their departure to alleged violations by Russia. This development has further complicated the already tense relations between the two nations, with concerns that both sides are stepping back from nuclear arms control measures that were previously in place. Additionally, the announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the repositioning of two nuclear submarines as a response to warnings from Russian Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev about Moscow's nuclear capabilities. Medvedev stated that Russia’s actions are a direct consequence of NATO nations' policies perceived to be anti-Russian. He highlighted these developments as a 'new reality' that opponents need to consider, indicating further steps could be forthcoming from Russia. The international landscape, marked by ongoing tensions, particularly in regions like Ukraine where Russia has deployed intermediate-range ballistic missiles, raises alarms about a new arms race. With both countries possessing the majority of the world’s nuclear arsenal—approximately 90%—this escalation in arms development is particularly alarming. Experts and observers fear that this could lead to increased military tensions, further complicating efforts at diplomacy and international security cooperation, particularly in Europe and surrounding regions.