Russia to respond if US places long-range missiles in Germany, Putin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned Washington that Russia will no longer adhere to its unilateral moratorium on deploying medium and shorter-range strike weapons if the United States places long-range missiles in Germany.

"The announcement by the US administration and the German government about their plans to deploy American high-precision long-range missile systems on German territory starting from 2026 draws attention," Putin said during the Main Naval Parade reception in St. Petersburg, according to Report, which cites TASS. He emphasized that such weapons, if deployed, would put "important Russian state and military control facilities, administrative and industrial centers, and defense infrastructure" within their range.

Putin further highlighted that the flight time of these missiles, which could potentially be equipped with nuclear warheads, would be "around 10 minutes" to targets on Russian territory.

"If the United States implements such plans, we will consider ourselves free from the previously adopted unilateral moratorium on the deployment of medium and shorter-range strike weapons, including enhancing the capabilities of our Navy's coastal troops," Putin warned.