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GuardianJUL 2024
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 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.