Moscow Announces End to Disarmament of Land-Based Nuclear Weapons
In a significant shift following the invalidation of the INF Treaty, the United States is deploying land-based nuclear short- and intermediate-range missiles in Europe, marking a renewed arms race in the region.
The U.S. deployment, which includes the "episodic deployments" agreed with Germany, has prompted Russia to end its moratorium on similar missile deployments and announce countermeasures like deploying Oreshnik missiles in Belarus.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously threatened that Russia would respond "symmetrically" to the planned U.S. deployment of missiles in Germany in 2026. Russia has already stationed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in the exclave of Kaliningrad.
The German military has stated that Russia's actions require a response, and a deterrent is being planned. Among the weapons planned for Germany are Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of being equipped with nuclear warheads.
The situation is causing heightened East-West tensions, as Russia considers U.S. deployments as a direct threat, escalating nuclear competition and military readiness. European NATO allies face pressure to balance deterrence needs, their relations with the U.S., and managing regional security risks. Germany's hosting of these missiles reflects deeper transatlantic cooperation but also domestic and regional political challenges.
Europe, including Germany, is likely to coordinate defense efforts and increase defense spending partly in response to U.S. strategic demands, aiming to maintain strong NATO ties and reassure allies amid evolving threats.
Potential responses to mitigate risks or adapt to the changed security environment include strengthening transatlantic cooperation, diplomatic efforts and reassurance, and military and technological modernization. Both sides, especially Russia, are focusing on hypersonic weapons and missile detection/interception capabilities.
The INF treaty, signed in 1987, called for the elimination of all land-based ballistic missiles and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 to 1,000 kilometers and 1,000 to 5,500 kilometers. The treaty is no longer valid since the U.S. withdrawal in 2019, and new developments in missile technology are adding to the complexity of the situation.
The U.S. has long accused Russia of violating the treaty, but Russia had previously imposed a moratorium on itself and continued to adhere to the agreements even after the U.S. withdrawal. No new information has been provided about Russia's response to the planned U.S. deployment of missiles in Germany in 2026.
This complex security environment demands both deterrence and diplomatic management, as the U.S. and Russia navigate their relations in the post-INF Treaty era.
- The deployment of land-based nuclear missiles in Europe by the United States, as a result of the invalidation of the INF Treaty, has led to a focus on service and arms race discussions in general-news and politics, with Russia announcing countermeasures in response.
- Amidst escalating tensions and the evolving security environment, European NATO allies are considering various response strategies, including strengthening transatlantic cooperation, diplomatic efforts, and military and technological modernization, particularly in the area of hypersonic weapons and missile detection/interception capabilities.
