Russia Warns of Military Response to US Missile Deployment in Germany

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Facts

  • Russia is reportedly preparing a military reaction to counter the planned US deployment of longer-range, ground-based missiles in Germany, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday.1
  • Ryabkov said Russia will develop 'a military response to the new threat' in a calculated and measured manner, adding that the planned deployment would neither force Russia to 'disarm' nor start a new arms race.2
  • The US on Wednesday announced plans for deploying advanced long-range missiles, including SM-6 missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, in Germany by 2026.3
  • According to the White House, the deployment will initially be 'episodic' under a new agreement signed by the two countries, but will eventually result in an 'enduring stationing of these capabilities.'4
  • Ryabkov said Russia would respond 'strategically' to the deployment — which he claimed was part of a broader escalation strategy. He also ruled out that the US move could lead to a Cold War-style situation.5
  • Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the deployment is aimed at deterring Russia and 'securing peace,' while Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that it would close a 'very serious gap' in the country's capabilities.6

Sources: 1New York Times, 2CBS, 3Aseannow, 4Breaking Defense, 5The Express Tribune and 6Space War.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Telegraph. The decision to deploy advanced missile systems in Germany — including hypersonic missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia — comes just at the right time, given Russia's expansionist ambitions. The move demonstrates the US commitment to NATO and its contributions to Europe's integrated deterrence, which is vital as Germany and Europe don't yet possess the necessary deterrent capabilities. NATO will not back down and is prepared to counter Russia's escalation policy resolutely.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by RT. The stationing of long-range missiles in Germany opens a new chapter in NATO's so-called 'security policy.' It was not without reason that the US unilaterally withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, following its Cold War logic and the interests of the military-industrial complex. The destabilizing step that has been announced aligns with this strategy and is a direct threat to Russia, international security, and strategic stability. Moscow will not stand idly by and will respond appropriately in due time.

Predictions