Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Russia may deploy new strike weapons in response to the U.S.’s planned stationing of longer-range and hypersonic missiles in Germany. He made these comments during a naval parade in St Petersburg, promising “mirror measures” following the U.S.’s announcement earlier this month to start deploying such weapons in 2026. This move by the U.S. is seen as a commitment to NATO and European defense in light of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Putin stated that if the U.S. proceeds with its plans, Russia will no longer adhere to the moratorium on the deployment of intermediate and shorter-range strike weapons. He mentioned enhancing the capability of Russia’s navy’s coastal forces, noting that the development of suitable systems is in its final stages.
Both the U.S. and Russia have signaled their readiness to deploy intermediate-range ground-based weapons, which had been prohibited under a 1987 U.S.-Soviet treaty that the U.S. withdrew from in 2019. The escalating tensions stem from accusations made by the U.S., including missile tests by Moscow that violated the treaty, allegations Russia has denied.
The U.S. and Germany disclosed plans for new weapon deployments in a joint statement, including SM-6 missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons with longer ranges than current ones in Europe. Russia, too, has not ruled out deploying new nuclear missiles in response to the U.S. actions, particularly to defend Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave bordered by NATO members Poland and Lithuania.
Putin has long viewed the deployment of U.S. missile infrastructure in Europe as a threat to Russia’s capabilities. The news of planned weapon stationing in Germany was revealed during a NATO summit in Washington, where allies also announced the readiness of a new U.S. base in Poland, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
