NATO tensions spike as Russia warns on missile deployment in Germany

The war in Ukraine: the most important information in our live report

On the sidelines of the recent NATO summit in Washington, D.C., the authorities of the USA and Germany announced that the United States would begin deploying long-range missiles on German territory in 2026, including hypersonic missiles, SM-6, and Tomahawk missiles.

Vladimir Putin warned the USA on Sunday against deploying new long-range weapons in Germany. In a speech to sailors on the occasion of Russian Navy Day in St. Petersburg, he said that the USA could cause a Cold War-style missile crisis. He emphasised that key targets in Russia would then be within the range of American missiles, and governmental, military, and important industrial facilities could be hit within 10 minutes. He announced a Russian response.

The Ministry of the Interior spokesperson, cited by the public television portal Tagesschau, stated that Russia's threats regarding the planned stationing of long-range weapons in Germany will not make the government in Berlin change course. "We will not be intimidated by such statements," he stressed.

On Monday, Berlin announced another batch of arms delivered to Kyiv.

According to the list of military aid published on the government’s website, Germany, in cooperation with Denmark, handed over eight Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine.

Additionally, Kyiv received 21,000 rounds of ammunition for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.

Washington also announced its delivery package. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby made the relevant statement. This package will include anti-aircraft equipment, HIMARS artillery ammunition, mortar shells, and Javelin anti-tank missiles, estimated at approximately £157 million.