During Russia’s annual Navy Day in St Petersburg, Putin stated that if the US follows through with their plans, Russia may no longer adhere to the moratorium on medium- and short-range strike weapons. This could involve enhancing the capabilities of Russia’s Navy coastal forces.

Putin expressed concerns about the US and Germany’s intention to conduct “episodic deployments” of long-range missile capabilities from their Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026. This decision could bring Russian infrastructure within the range of the planned missiles.

Russia has been vocal about potentially ending its self-imposed moratorium on the use of “short-range” and “intermediate-range” land-based ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and missile launchers that could carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.

Announcing the moratorium after the US withdrew from the INF in 2019, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that “Russia will refrain from deploying these systems when we acquire them, unless American equipment is deployed in certain regions.”

The treaty, which the United States and Europe have accused Moscow of frequently violating, banned such missiles and has been considered a centerpiece of European security since the Cold War.

Russia soon followed the United States’ lead and withdrew from the treaty, raising fears of a new arms race.