Russia: We will respond to US deployment of long-range missiles in Germany

Russia's ambassador to Washington said on Monday that the Pentagon's decision to deploy medium- and short-range missiles in Germany from 2026 is a serious mistake and a direct threat to international security and strategic stability.

 

Anatoly Antonov called the deployment of its medium- and short-range missiles on German territory from 2026 a serious mistake and a direct threat to international security and strategic stability.

 

"The Americans are increasing the risks of a missile arms race, and this could lead to increased tensions and uncontrolled instability," Antonov said.

 

The diplomat noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed the importance of active efforts to reduce the risks of misunderstandings and differences in the field of missile weapons. Stopping the deployment of medium- and short-range ballistic missiles will hit the ground.”

 

The US Department of Defense announced on Wednesday that the United States will deploy SM-6 missile systems, Tomahawk cruise missiles and supersonic weapons on German soil from 2026.

 

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov said Russia would respond militarily to the deployment of long-range missiles in Germany.

 

The Pentagon had previously announced that in 2026 the United States would begin deploying long-range strike systems in Germany that would significantly outpace existing weapons in Europe.

 

Andrei Klimov, deputy head of the Russian Senate's international affairs committee, said Russia had several responses to the deployment of US long-range weapons in Germany.

 

"The deployment of American long-range weapons in Germany and close to our borders is an obvious threat," he said. But they live in a glass house themselves, and we have a number of options to address these challenges.”

 

He stressed that the arms race has already begun, but it is Washington's choice that not only seeks to deter Russia, but also openly seeks to destroy it.

 

Vladimir Putin has previously reminded that the construction of the Avangard missile system in Russia has made all US investments in the missile defense system meaningless.