Putin threatens response to US plans to station missiles in Germany

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning on Sunday in response to the planned deployment of US missiles in Germany by 2026, reported dpa, quoting the TASS news agency.

He made the remarks during a naval parade in St Petersburg, which showcased dozens of warships.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) banning these weapons no longer applies since the US withdrew from it in 2019.

According to Putin, however, Russia had previously imposed a moratorium and continued to adhere to the agreements. The US, on the other hand, has long complained about Russian violations of the treaty.

If the plans are implemented, Russia will no longer feel committed to the earlier ban on land-based medium-range nuclear weapons, Putin said.

State, military infrastructure and significant industrial facilities could thus be hit within 10 minutes, he added.

Russia, Putin said, will respond "proportionately." Russian warships could also be equipped with missiles as a response, he added.

In an explanation of the stationing plans, the German Armed Forces has said that Russia has stationed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in the Kaliningrad region, among other places, and could also target German cities with its intermediate-range missiles.

The plans are a response to this and serve as deterrence, it said.

Among the US weapons for Germany are Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are technically capable of being equipped with nuclear warheads, SM-6 anti-aircraft missiles, and newly developed hypersonic weapons.