Russia Considers New Nuclear Deployments in Response to U.S. Arms in Germany

Russia may consider new deployments of nuclear missiles in response to the U.S. stationing long-range conventional weapons in Germany, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated on Thursday. This potential move aims to bolster the defense of Russia’s Kaliningrad region, located between NATO members Poland and Lithuania.

Ryabkov indicated that all options are on the table when commenting on the U.S. deployment plans, which are scheduled to begin in 2026. The planned U.S. arsenal will include SM-6, Tomahawk, and new hypersonic missiles, underscoring the United States' commitment to NATO and European defense.

President Vladimir Putin recently announced that Moscow would resume the production of short and intermediate-range missiles, assessing potential deployment locations as needed. Ryabkov emphasized that defending Kaliningrad is a priority, given its isolated position and strategic importance. The deployment of such missiles by either nation is viewed by security experts as part of an ongoing arms race intensifying amid high tensions over the Ukraine conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)