Moscow considers European capitals as potential victims
The planned deployment of US long-range missiles in Germany is a thorn in Moscow's eye. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov speaks of provocation. In case of a possible escalation, European capitals would be the sufferers.
After the announced deployment of long-range US missiles in Germany, the Kremlin warned that European capitals could then become targets of Russian missiles. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow told TASS news agency: "Europe is a target for our missiles, our country is a target for US missiles in Europe." He added: "We have the capacity to contain these missiles, but the potential victims are the capitals of these European countries."
Furthermore, Peskow described the planned relocation of US long-range missiles to Germany as a provocation. "We have gone through this before, it has all happened before." The paradoxical thing is that the USA would still make profits while Europe is "in the crosshairs of the missiles."
The USA and Germany announced the deployment of long-range US missiles in Germany starting from 2026. Concretely named in a statement on the sidelines of the NATO summit this week in Washington were missiles of longer range such as SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles, as well as hypersonic missiles in development, which would significantly increase the ranges of existing missiles in Europe. With the deployment, the engagement of the USA for NATO and its contribution to deterrence against Russia is to be emphasized.
The Kremlin had already sharply criticized the decision beforehand. This is another step "towards a new Cold War," Peskow declared. He accused the USA, Germany, France, and Britain of direct involvement "in the conflict around Ukraine." On Thursday, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin discussed the issue by phone. The initiative for the phone call came from Moscow, the Russian Defense Ministry reported. During the conversation, "the question of avoiding security threats and the reduction of the risk of a potential escalation was discussed."
The deployment of US missiles in Germany is a cause of concern for Russia, with its spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, labeling it as a provocation. This situation poses a risk, as European capitals could potentially become targets should tensions escalate. Russia, however, possesses the capability to manage these missiles, but the potential casualties would be the capitals of the affected European countries.
