Russia warns of nuclear measures over US missile deployments

- Russia may take extra steps in the area of nuclear deterrence if the United States deploys intermediate and short-range missiles in Europe and Asia - stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In an interview with RIA Novosti, he also threatened actions by Russia in the event of F-16 deliveries to Ukraine.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gave an interview with the Russian state agency RIA Novosti. During the conversation, he said that implementing American plans to deploy medium-range and short-range missiles would not go without a response.

Russia does not rule out additional steps in the realm of nuclear deterrence because the deployment of American missiles would mean they could reach their command centres and locations of nuclear forces, he announced, adding that the decisions on these matters fall under the purview of President Vladimir Putin.

According to the minister, deploying these missiles would severely challenge Russia's security. Such actions would not only become a problem for Moscow.

In a joint statement following President Putin's recent visit to China, it was noted that the USA's destabilising steps directly threaten both our country and China. Therefore, Russia and their Chinese partners agreed to intensify cooperation to counteract "Washington's irresponsible behaviour," which undermines international stability.

Charles Flynn, commander of the U.S. Army forces in the Pacific region, recently mentioned the USA's intention to deploy medium-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific region soon.

Lavrov also addressed the topic of Ukraine in his conversation with RIA Novosti, saying: "We cannot ignore the delivery of these systems to the Kyiv regime as a deliberate signalling action by NATO in the nuclear sphere." According to him, in this way, they would try to make Russia realise that the USA and NATO are "ready for literally anything in Ukraine," he said.

He also added that these planes would be destroyed in the same way as other weapons provided to the Ukrainian army by NATO countries, and their arrival would not change the situation on the battlefield in any way.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Belgian news agency Belga reported, citing Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, that Belgium will deliver 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by 2028, and the first ones are expected to be sent to that country already this year. Subsequently, during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Belgian capital, he signed a bilateral security agreement with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.