Russia has escalated its rhetoric in response to US plans to deploy long-range missiles in Germany, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warning that European capitals could become targets for Russian missiles. This stark declaration comes after the US and Germany announced intentions to station various missile systems, including SM-6, Tomahawk, and hypersonic weapons, in Germany by 2026.Peskov emphasized the potential for a new Cold War-style confrontation, stating, ‘Europe is a target for our missiles, our country is a target for American missiles in Europe. We have already experienced this, we have gone through it’. He added that while Russia has the capability to contain these missiles, ‘the potential victims are the capitals of these European countries’.The Kremlin views the US deployment as a provocation and a step towards a new Cold War. Peskov also accused the US, Germany, France, and the UK of being directly involved in the conflict in Ukraine. The planned missile deployment would significantly increase NATO’s range in Europe, with Tomahawk missiles capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometers away.While Russian officials frame this as a defensive response, Western leaders view the deployment as necessary for deterrence. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected concerns about potential confrontation with Russia, stating, ‘What matters to us is preventing war’. The White House has emphasized that these advanced capabilities demonstrate the US commitment to NATO and its contributions to European defense.As tensions escalate, there are growing concerns about the potential for a new arms race and the stability of Europe. Peskov ominously suggested that such a confrontation could lead to the collapse of Europe, drawing parallels to the Soviet Union’s collapse during the Cold War. The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely watching these developments and their potential impact on global security.
Key points
- Russia warns that European capitals could become targets for its missiles in response to US deployment plans in Germany.
- The US and Germany plan to station long-range missiles, including SM-6, Tomahawk, and hypersonic weapons, in Germany by 2026.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov frames the situation as a potential return to Cold War-style confrontation.
- Western leaders defend the missile deployment as necessary for deterrence and preventing war.
Contradictions👾While Russia frames its response as defensive, Western leaders view their actions as deterrence against potential Russian aggression.
👾The Kremlin warns of targeting European capitals, yet also claims to have the capability to contain US missiles.
