Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia may halt its moratorium on the production and deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in response to a United States plan to deploy in Germany missiles that can reach Russia.
Putin made the remarks at a commemorative event of the Russian navy in St. Petersburg on Sunday.
He referred to the US plan to deploy hypersonic weapons, which are under development and believed to be capable of reaching Russia, and cruise missiles for US troops stationed in Germany starting 2026.
Putin said the fly-in time of such long-range missiles, which can be eventually equipped with nuclear warheads, will constitute about 10 minutes to reach targets in Russia.
He said Russia will take measures in kind to deploy intermediate- and shorter-range missiles, taking into account the moves by the US.
The Russian president added the situation is reminiscent of the events of the Cold War period.
A naval ceremony was also held in Russia’s Far Eastern city of Vladivostok where the Pacific Fleet is headquartered, with a corvette, a submarine and other vessels of the Russian navy taking part.
Chinese warships also participated, reflecting deepening relations between Russia and China.
The Russian defense ministry says the deputy defense minister met with a Chinese naval commander who visited Russia on the occasion.