“Putin’s Warning: Russia Will Take Countermeasures if US Deploys Long-Range Missiles in Germany”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning that if Washington proceeds with deploying long-range missiles in Germany by 2026, Russia will respond by positioning similar missiles within striking distance of Western targets.
Earlier this month, the US and Germany announced plans for the deployment of long-range fire capabilities in Germany starting in 2026, aiming to reinforce their commitment to NATO and European defense. These deployments are seen as a preparatory step towards the longer-term stationing of advanced missile systems, including SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as developmental hypersonic weapons with extended ranges.
Speaking to sailors from Russia, China, Algeria, and India during a celebration of Russian Navy Day in St. Petersburg, Putin warned that the US risked igniting a cold war-style missile crisis with its plans.
“The flight time of such missiles to targets on our territory, which may eventually be equipped with nuclear warheads, will be about 10 minutes,” Putin stated. “We will take reciprocal measures to deploy similar capabilities, taking into account the actions of the United States and its allies in Europe and other regions.”
Putin accused the US of escalating tensions by transferring Typhon missile systems to Denmark and the Philippines. He likened the US plans to NATO’s decision in 1979 to deploy Pershing II launchers in Western Europe, which the Soviet leadership, including General Secretary Yuri Andropov, saw as a potential threat designed to decapitate the Soviet Union’s political and military leadership.
“This situation is reminiscent of the events of the cold war related to the deployment of American medium-range Pershing missiles in Europe,” Putin remarked.