Russia’s Announcement on Intermediate-Range Nuclear-Capable Missiles

President Vladimir V. Putin announced on Friday that Russia would develop new intermediate-range nuclear-capable missiles and then consider their deployment within range of NATO nations in Europe and American allies in Asia. The threat was somewhat ambiguous, lacking specifics on deployment timelines. By attributing the decision to the United States’ actions and hinting at openness to negotiations, Putin’s message was open to interpretation.

Context and Timing

The timing of Putin’s announcement was strategic, coinciding with upcoming major elections in Britain and France, as well as the 75th anniversary NATO summit in Washington starting on July 9. This move appeared to be part of Putin’s ongoing efforts to escalate tensions with the West, following his recent visit to North Korea that unsettled the United States and its Asian allies.

Background: Treaty Withdrawal

The United States withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019 under the Trump administration, citing long-standing accusations of Russian violations. The treaty had prohibited land-based cruise or ballistic missiles with ranges between 300 and 3,400 miles. This withdrawal marked the end of an era of traditional nuclear arms control agreements negotiated between Washington and Moscow.

Current Nuclear Arms Control Landscape

With the demise of several arms control treaties, including the INF Treaty, only the New START treaty remains in place, limiting each nation’s intercontinental weapons until its expiration in February 2026. The Pentagon has taken steps to counter a rising Chinese nuclear force by deploying modified weapons in Asia but has not permanently redeployed any in Europe.