President Vladimir Putin says Russia may deploy new offensive weapons in response to a US plan to deploy missiles in Germany. As Voice of America correspondent Arash Arabasadi reports, the United States and Russia have recently signaled readiness to deploy medium-range weapons that were banned for decades under a Cold War-era treaty.
Russian state television broadcast the celebrations in Saint Petersburg on the occasion of ‘Navy Day’ on Sunday. Attending the celebrations were senior leaders from 31 countries, including China, India, Iran and South Africa.
During the ceremony, the Russian Navy fired missiles from various ships of the Black Sea Fleet and fighter jets flew in the sky. This show of force comes as the United States recently announced a new plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany by 2026.
To outside observers and President Putin, this looks like history repeating itself.
“The situation is reminiscent of the Cold War period. If the US implements such plans, we will consider ourselves free from the previously imposed unilateral moratorium on the deployment of medium- and shorter-range attack systems. We will take mutual measures”, said President Putin.
In a joint statement from the White House, US and German officials said the deployment of the advanced capabilities demonstrates commitment to NATO and its contribution to an integrated European war prevention policy.
Despite the Kremlin’s recent warnings, the Defense Ministry began releasing videos showing intercontinental ballistic missile tests days before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
At the time, President Putin spoke of plans to deploy his military’s “preventive force,” including a nuclear component. NATO said this language was “dangerous and irresponsible”.
Since the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Western powers have been the biggest supporters of Ukraine in terms of financial and military aid. NATO countries recently pledged an additional $43 billion in aid next year and plans for continued support.
“This support will make Ukraine stronger and more capable. In fact, everything we are doing, more military aid, security agreements and coordination, creates the foundations for Ukraine to triumph,” said Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General.
While St. Petersburg seemed pleased by the military display, experts worry that the willingness of Russia and the US to deploy medium-range weapons could spark a new arms race
