Russia may end moratorium on intermediate-range nuclear forces: Putin
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During the Main Naval Parade on Navy Day in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin vows that Moscow will continue to strengthen its naval forces.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a security council meeting in Moscow, Russia, on Friday, November 24, 2023. (AP)
Moscow will no longer adhere to a moratorium on deploying medium- and short-range strike weapons if the United States deploys weapons in Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, on Sunday, during the Main Naval Parade on Navy Day in St. Petersburg.
This comes in response to the Pentagon's announcement on July 10 that starting in 2026, the US would begin periodic deployments of long-range weapons in Germany, planning for their future permanent stationing. This includes SM-6, Tomahawk, and developmental hypersonic missiles.
"If the US implements such plans, we will consider ourselves free from the previously assumed unilateral moratorium on the deployment of medium- and shorter-range strike weapons, including increasing the capabilities of the coastal troops of our Navy," Putin stressed.
The Russian president emphasized that "important Russian state and military administration facilities, our administrative and industrial centers and defense infrastructure will be within its [US] reach."
Elsewhere in his remarks, he vowed that Russia will continue to strengthen its naval forces.
"We will continue to increase the support of surface and submarine forces, naval aviation, equip ships with high-tech, next-generation systems, and hypersonic missile complexes," Putin stressed.
The Russian President also extended his congratulations to military personnel on Russia's Navy Day.
"Hello, comrades! I congratulate you on Navy Day," Putin addressed the servicepeople, who responded with greetings.
The President also extended his greetings to the crews of ships from China, Algeria, and India.
UK, Germany consider developing long-range weapon to hit Russian nukes
The United Kingdom is considering developing long-range missiles with Germany, able to hit Russian nuclear weapons, The Times newspaper reported Friday, citing diplomatic sources.
According to the sources, the UK is considering utilizing a 2,000-mile range weapon that could be fired from Berlin if Russia employs its tactical nuclear arsenal.
The plan was profusely discussed during new UK Defense Secretary John Healey's visit to Berlin earlier this week, which aimed to enhance cooperation within NATO as part of his "NATO-first" defense policy.
Reportedly, the missiles are set to be deployed in Germany and would substitute long-range US missiles, including the SM-6, Tomahawk, and developmental hypersonic missiles, which were supposed to be based in Berlin in 2026.
Read more: Zelensky requests long-range missiles in meeting before UK cabinet
