U.S.-German Missile Deployment in Europe Sparks Russian Military Response Threat

The U.S.-German plans to deploy long-range missiles in Germany by 2026 has elicited a firm response from Russia, which views the deployment as a significant threat.

According to the Russian news agency TASS, Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister responsible for relations with the U.S., non-proliferation, and arms control, stated that Russia would develop military measures in response. "We will develop a military response to the new threat calmly, with a cool head," Ryabkov said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies that NATO was now “fully involved in the conflict over Ukraine” and added that "tensions on the European continent are escalating.”

Peskov said: “The North Atlantic alliance has once again very clearly confirmed its essence. It is an alliance created in an era of confrontation with the aim of maintaining confrontation.”

Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, warned that these plans by Washington increase the likelihood of a missile arms race and could lead to uncontrolled escalation.

"NATO’s decision to continue flooding the Kyiv regime with weapons against Russia and deploying U.S. long-range systems in Europe underscores the validity of launching the special military operation…. What our opponents are now doing, creating additional threats to Russia’s security, predetermines the necessary countermeasures we take in the military and technical sphere," he said.

NATO announced on July 10 that these "episodic deployments" are part of preparations for a longer-term stationing of SM-6, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons with extended range capabilities in Europe. The alliance also revealed that a new U.S. air defense base in northern Poland, designed to detect and intercept ballistic missile attacks, is now operational.

The deployment of American cruise missiles in Germany marks the first such occurrence since the 1990s, with their range reportedly extending up to 2,500 kilometers.

Markus Reisner, an officer with the Austrian Armed Forces, commented on the strategic timing of the missile deployment announcement, suggesting that it is intended to shift the balance in the ongoing conflict with Russia. "NATO is trying to create a counterbalance [to Russia] by seeking to deploy various weapons systems in Europe. This is a further escalation," Reisner told Berliner Zeitung.

U.S., Germany Foil Alleged Russian Plot to Assassinate Rheinmetall CEO

U.S. intelligence foiled a Russian assassination plot targeting Armin Papperger, CEO of Germany's Rheinmetall, a key arms supplier to Ukraine. This plot, revealed on Thursday, was one of several against European defense executives supporting Ukraine. U.S. authorities informed Germany, leading to heightened security for Papperger and Rheinmetall.

Rheinmetall, a major military equipment supplier to Ukraine, ramped up production post-Russia’s 2022 invasion. Plans for a Ukrainian ammunition factory were a key reason for the alleged plot.

China Criticizes NATO’s Accusation of Supporting Russia’s Defense

China has also criticized NATO, accusing the alliance of seeking security at the expense of others and warning against bringing chaos to Asia. In a statement issued at the summit, NATO noted China’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base through their "no-limits partnership."

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, dismissed NATO's accusations, claiming that China's stance on the Ukraine issue is fair and objective. "NATO hyping up China's responsibility on the Ukraine issue is unreasonable and has sinister motives," Lin stated during a daily briefing.