Putin threatened to abandon the INF moratorium if the United States places weapons in Germany
Russia will "consider itself free" from the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and shorter-range strike weapons if the United States places its weapons in Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. He threatened the United States with "mirror measures" and increased naval capabilities. The deployment of American weapons in Germany should begin in 2026. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Russia could prevent it by stopping its own.
Russia will "consider itself free" from a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of medium- and shorter-range strike forces (INF) if the United States places its weapons in Germany. This statement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin while hosting the main naval parade in St. Petersburg.
According to him, if American weapons are deployed in Germany, significant Russian state and military administration facilities, as well as administrative and industrial centers and the defense infrastructure of the Russian Federation will be within its reach.
He recalled that the United States also worked out the transfer of Typhon missile systems to Denmark and the Philippines during the exercises, and compared the current situation with the "events of the Cold War" related to the deployment of American medium-range Pershing missiles in Europe.
Putin stressed that in case of refusal of the moratorium, Russia will also "increase the capabilities of the coastal forces of the Navy." According to him, the development of a number of medium- and shorter-range systems in the Russian Federation is already "at the final stage."
"We will take mirror measures to deploy them, taking into account the actions of the United States, its satellites in Europe and other regions of the world," the head of state promised.
Deployment will begin in 2026
Vladimir Putin's words at the main naval parade were a reaction to a statement by the US and German governments published on the White House website on July 10.
In it, the authorities of the countries reported that the United States will begin the "episodic" deployment of its longer-range fire weapons in Germany in 2026, subsequently their permanent deployment on the territory of Germany is planned.
"Long-range fire units will include the SM-6, Tomahawk and hypersonic weapons under development, which have a significantly longer range than current ground-based firepower in Europe," the report says.
The authors said these steps would "demonstrate the United States' commitment to NATO" and its contribution to the "European integrated deterrence capability."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Russia can prevent the deployment of weapons in Germany if it stops a special military operation in Ukraine.
According to Scholz, the deployment of missiles will serve as an additional protection factor for Germany.
"We also need means of deterrence - in addition to what we already have, for example in the form of cruise missiles, as well as long-range conventional weapons," he added.
Alexey Permyakov
