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GuardianJul 20
Putin Vows 'Mirror Measures' to US Missiles in Germany
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during the military parade, marking Navy Day, July 28 2024, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed to deploy previously banned long-range missiles close to Western countries if the US goes through with its plan to station similar long-range, nuclear-capable missiles in Germany in 2026.
Speaking at a naval parade in St Petersburg, Putin said that, if the US goes forward with the move, Russia would take "mirror measures," adding that "we will consider ourselves free" from its self-imposed moratorium on such weapons — a reference to the 1987 US-Soviet treaty that the US pulled out of in 2019.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These are defensive weapons and are similar to what the US has had stationed in Europe for years. A torrent of Russian threats will not stop Washington from taking the steps necessary in order to keep the Western alliance safe.
Pro-Russia narrative
Moving these nuclear-capable missiles into Germany would put the weapons within a 10 minute flight time of Moscow. Russia has no choice but to take mirror measures in response to this obvious escalation. Moscow is not the aggressor in this situation, it is on the defense.