During a naval parade in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning regarding the potential deployment of U.S. missiles in Germany, threatening to resume the production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons in response.

Putin emphasized that if the U.S. proceeds with its plans to deploy long-range missiles in Europe starting in 2026, Russia would respond by placing similar missiles within striking distance of Western targets.

He stated that Russia would no longer adhere to its previous unilateral moratorium on deploying short and intermediate-range missiles if the U.S. implements its missile deployment plans.

Putin highlighted that U.S. missiles could reach significant Russian state and military sites within approximately ten minutes, raising the stakes for a potential military response.

He warned that European capitals could become legitimate targets for Russian forces if the U.S. stations long-range weapons in Europe.

The backdrop to these tensions is the 2019 withdrawal of both Russia and the U.S. from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, with each side accusing the other of violations.

The U.S. decision to deploy missiles is framed as a commitment to NATO and European defense in light of Russia's ongoing aggression, particularly following its invasion of Ukraine.

Plans for U.S. missile deployments in Germany include advanced weaponry such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 air defense missiles, set to begin by 2026.

In response to these developments, the German military noted that Russia has already positioned nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad, posing a direct threat to German cities.

Putin compared the current situation to Cold War tensions, specifically referencing the deployment of U.S. Pershing missiles in Europe during the late 1970s.

Overall, diplomatic relations between Russia and the U.S. have deteriorated significantly, reaching levels worse than during the Cuban Missile Crisis, despite calls for de-escalation from both sides.