According to report from The Guardian. In a move that has sparked concerns of a new Cold War, the United States has announced plans to deploy long-range weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, in Germany starting in 2026. The Kremlin has responded with a stern warning, stating that European capitals could become targets for Russian missiles in retaliation.
According to Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, the deployment of US missiles in Europe creates a paradoxical situation where Europe becomes a target for Russian missiles, while US missiles in Europe target Russia. Peskov emphasized that Russia has the capacity to contain these missiles but warned that European capitals would be the potential victims.
The Kremlin has criticized the US move, accusing Washington of taking a step towards a new Cold War and directly participating in the Ukraine conflict. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has supported the US decision, citing deterrence and peace security. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has also defended the move, stating that it addresses a significant gap in the country's capabilities.
The deployment of US missiles in Germany has historical significance, marking a return of US cruise missiles to the country after a 20-year absence. The move has sparked concerns among some Europeans, reminiscent of the widespread protests in the 1980s against US Pershing ballistic missiles in West Germany.
As NATO countries bolster their defenses in Europe following Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, the situation has raised concerns about a potential escalation of tensions between Russia and the West. The Kremlin's warning has added to the tensions, raising fears of a potential repeat of history, where Europe's instability could lead to a collapse similar to the Soviet Union's demise.