Russian MoF: Moscow should increase Tactical Missile Potential
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Mashkov noted that Russia must stay vigilant on both eastern and western fronts and create a single integrated missile system in anticipation of any potential threat.
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A man walks outside the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, Russia. December 20, 2022 (AFP)
In order to effectively address any security challenges, Russia must increase its tactical missile potential and build up stocks of missiles preemptively to create a single integrated missile defense system, according to Grigory Mashkov, ambassador-at-large for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"There is an evident need for Russia to build up its tactical missile potential, further increase the effectiveness of its use and accumulate missile weapon stocks in advance for an effective response to any national security challenges, including in Kaliningrad," Mashkov told the International Affairs journal in an interview.
Additionally, Maskov noted that Russia must reassess its policy against the deployment of intermediate-range nuclear forces in Europe; Moscow should prepare for deploying the weapons to keep guard against any potential threat or escalation.
"We must also remain vigilant on our eastern borders. The possibility of the situation developing there according to a confrontational scenario should not be ruled out, as well as Russia's involvement in real conflicts against its will. Therefore, it is necessary to have an impressive arsenal of medium-range missiles to prevent potential threats to our national security."
"It is important to preserve the existing missile means, and in practical terms — to work out the idea of increasing the potential of the strategic offensive arms with the creation of a single integrated national missile defense system to counter external threats," he added.
Read more: Putin announces Russia suspends New START nuke pact participation
In his interview, he also noted that strategic stability would disappear after the New START treaty expires.
Back in February, the Russian foreign ministry released a statement on the suspension of the New START treaty saying that Moscow will be assessing the limitations resulting from the New START nuclear treaty.
The foreign ministry explained that this decision comes in response to the US' increasing hostility towards Russia, via Ukraine, which effectively violates the treaty.
The increasing military support granted to Kiev by the US has changed the conditions under which the treaty was signed by creating a fundamentally different security environment for Russia, the statement added.
The foreign ministry also claimed that the US had violated the central provisions of the treaty accusing Washington of semantically hijacking the treaty by renaming strategic offensive weapons so they no longer fall under the provisions of the treaty.
Read more: US, NATO, EU 'concerned' about Russia decision to suspend New START
Back in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the agreement between Moscow and Minsk to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, while ensuring conformance with international commitments and laws.
Putin pointed fingers at the US for having stationed its tactical nuclear weapons on lands of allies and NATO nations, as he continued to add that the construction of the weapons storage facility in Belarus is due to be complete on July 1.
