Official statements from US and Russian governments or reports from credible international news agencies

Putin Warns U.S. Missile Deployments Could Prompt Russia to Lift Restrictions on Its Own Short-Range Missiles, Maintain Strategic Nuclear Arsenal

Dec 16, 2024, 10:41 AM

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed significant concerns regarding the United States' development and deployment of short and medium-range missiles. He stated that if the U.S. proceeds with these deployments, Russia would lift all of its voluntary restrictions on its own missile deployments. Putin emphasized that Russia would continue to maintain its strategic nuclear arsenal and would not allow itself to be drawn into an arms race that could compromise its social and economic situation. He also noted that the staffing level of the Russian Armed Forces has increased to 1.5 million servicemen, with over a thousand new recruits joining daily. Additionally, Putin accused the U.S. of escalating tensions in Ukraine by supplying weapons and financial support to the Ukrainian government, which he described as illegitimate. He warned that if the U.S. persists in its military strategies, Russia would be compelled to take further measures to ensure its security.