Russia is no longer adhering to a treaty that once banned the deployment of short- and medium-range missiles, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. Moscow argues that "the situation is now developing in such a way that U.S. missiles may be deployed in Europe," and therefore, Russia no longer considers itself bound by the “previously established self-restraint,” the ministry stated as justification.
Back in 1987, the United States and the then-Soviet Union signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which prohibited the use of land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 1,000 kilometers (short-range), and between 1,000 and 5,500 kilometers (medium-range). The agreement, signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, was a cornerstone of Cold War arms control. However, the United States officially withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019 during President Donald Trump’s first term, rendering the agreement effectively void.
Moscow had repeatedly stated that it would continue to comply with the treaty despite Washington’s exit. But both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have previously hinted at a permanent withdrawal if the United States failed to uphold prior commitments. Washington, meanwhile, has long accused Russia of violating the treaty by developing and deploying prohibited missile systems.
Adding to the escalating tensions, President Putin has now issued further warnings in response to the planned deployment of American missiles in Germany starting in 2026. According to the German military, these missiles are meant as a deterrent against Russian Iskander missile systems stationed in Kaliningrad—systems capable of being equipped with nuclear warheads and with enough range to strike major German cities.
This latest move underscores the unraveling of key arms control agreements that helped stabilize U.S.–Russia relations for decades. Analysts warn that a new arms race in Europe may be emerging, with both sides now signaling a willingness to reintroduce high-range tactical weapons to the region.
