Russia announced Monday it is abandoning its self-imposed ban on deploying nuclear-capable intermediate-range missiles, raising the specter of a renewed arms race as tensions with the United States escalate over Ukraine.
In a sharply worded statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry cited U.S. and allied efforts to develop and position such missiles – including plans to station Typhoon and Dark Eagle systems in Germany next year – as the trigger for its decision.
Moscow warned the deployments pose a “direct threat” to its national security and fuel a “dangerous escalation of tensions between nuclear powers,” undermining both regional and global stability.
While the Kremlin has not detailed its next steps, President Vladimir Putin previously indicated Russia would deploy its new Oreshnik missiles in Belarus, a close ally, later this year.
Asked where and when Russia could potentially deploy intermediate-range weapons, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is not something to be announced in advance.
