At NATO summit, Zelensky presses for US greenlight to hit Russian bases
Defense OneJul 20
Russia Warns of Military Response to US Missile Deployment in Germany
Above: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on April 20, 2021 in Moscow, Russia. Image copyright: Mikhail Svetlov/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Russia is reportedly preparing a military reaction to counter the planned US deployment of longer-range, ground-based missiles in Germany, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday.
Ryabkov said Russia will develop "a military response to the new threat" in a calculated and measured manner, adding that the planned deployment would neither force Russia to "disarm" nor start a new arms race.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The decision to deploy advanced missile systems in Germany — including hypersonic missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia — comes just at the right time, given Russia's expansionist ambitions. The move demonstrates the US commitment to NATO and its contributions to Europe's integrated deterrence, which is vital as Germany and Europe don't yet possess the necessary deterrent capabilities. NATO will not back down and is prepared to counter Russia's escalation policy resolutely.
Establishment-critical narrative
The stationing of long-range missiles in Germany opens a new chapter in NATO's so-called "security policy." It was not without reason that the US unilaterally withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, following its Cold War logic and the interests of the military-industrial complex. The destabilizing step that has been announced aligns with this strategy and is a direct threat to Russia, international security, and strategic stability. Moscow will not stand idly by and will respond appropriately in due time.