Moscow Lifts Ban on Intermediate-Range Missiles, Blames NATO; Russian Officials Warn of Collapse of Arms Control Frameworks

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Moscow’s recent decision to end its unilateral moratorium on the deployment of intermediate- and short-range missiles was a response to what it views as increasing threats from the United States and its NATO allies.

In an interview aired on the state-run “Russia-1” television channel, Ryabkov explained that the move is intended to “cool down heated rhetoric” in certain Western capitals. He said the decision reflects Moscow’s reaction to what it sees as escalatory military and political measures taken by Washington and NATO partners.

According to Ryabkov, Russia had issued prior warnings that if there was no improvement in U.S. and allied policies regarding intermediate- and short-range missiles, Moscow would reconsider its voluntary restraint.

Ryabkov: U.S. Systems Are Moving Closer to Russian Borders

Ryabkov emphasized that U.S. missile systems are increasingly being deployed in areas that, in Russia’s view, directly affect its national security. “Should we simply accept this?” he asked. “Or is it time to respond to Western escalation, particularly from certain European countries advocating confrontation?”

He added, “Given the current circumstances, Russia had no alternative but to take this course of action.”

Russia Warns of Rising Nuclear Risks, Urges Political Will

Regarding strategic stability, Ryabkov stated that the risk of nuclear conflict remains present, particularly as the expiration date of the New START treaty approaches in February 2026. He noted that Moscow perceives a growing possibility of losing all mechanisms for arms control if serious political efforts are not made.

He further emphasized that Russia “cannot be broken by force,” asserting that the country’s nuclear arsenal is under secure control and used solely for national defense purposes.

Russian Foreign Ministry: Missile Deployment Restrictions No Longer Apply

Earlier this week, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the country is no longer bound by previous self-imposed restrictions on the deployment of land-based intermediate- and short-range missiles. The ministry clarified that the policy had been adopted unilaterally and has now formally ended.

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