What Will Russia Do If the U.S. Deploys Missile Systems in Other Countries? Putin Responds

Russia reserves the right to develop and produce medium and short-range missile systems. This announcement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a briefing with Russian media following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

According to RIA Novosti, Putin described the development of new weaponry in Russia as a response to American actions. “If you recall, I mentioned that we consider ourselves entitled to begin experimental design developments as well as production in the future, in connection with the U.S. exiting this treaty (the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty) and their announcement that they are beginning production. This is what we are implementing, and we are ready to start production. Generally speaking, we have given the relevant task to the industry,” Putin told reporters.

At the same time, the Russian president emphasized that if U.S. medium and short-range missile systems (MCRMS) appear anywhere, Russia could act mirror-wise. “As for deployment, if you remember, I stated that we are declaring a moratorium on the potential deployment of our relevant systems, provided that these missile systems do not appear in any region of the world. If American-made medium and short-range missile systems appear somewhere, we reserve the right to act mirror-wise,” Putin said.

Putin also stated that the U.S. has undermined the foundations of global stability. “The first thing I want to point out is that, indeed, the fundamental documents that were the basis for international stability and security have been destroyed by the U.S.,” the Russian leader noted.

Putin stressed that Russia is ready to engage in dialogue with the U.S., asserting that there have been signals from the American side regarding a willingness to begin discussions on strategic stability, but these signals then fade away, leading to discussions on abstract topics. Thus, he suggested waiting for a new administration. “Let’s wait for the formation of a new administration and understand what plans and preferences they have. I want to reiterate— we are ready for that,” Putin added.

Vladimir Putin traveled to Astana on the morning of July 3 to participate in the SCO summit. The event is being held under the slogan “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue in Pursuit of Sustainable Peace and Development.” On July 4, the Russian president attended the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of SCO member states and a meeting in the “SCO+” format.