Kremlin warns Russia could target Europe if US deploys missiles

MOSCOW — The Kremlin warned on Saturday that the deployment of US missiles in Germany could make European capitals targets for Russian missiles in a repeat of Cold War-style confrontation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke of a "paradox" in which "Europe is a target for our missiles, our country is a target for US missiles in Europe".

"We have enough potential to deter these missiles, but the potential victims are the capitals of these countries," he said, speaking to Russian state television channel Russia 1.

Peskov also hinted that such a confrontation could undermine Europe as a whole — in the same way the Cold War ended with the Soviet Union's collapse. "Europe is coming apart. Europe is not living its best moment. In a different configuration, a repeat of history is inevitable," he said.

The White House announced on Wednesday during a NATO summit that it would periodically station long-range weapons including Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany from 2026 as a deterrent.

"Exercising these advanced capabilities will demonstrate the United States' commitment to NATO and its contributions to European integrated deterrence," the White House said.

The Kremlin has already criticized the move, accusing Washington of taking a step toward a new Cold War and of directly participating in the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia's Defense Ministry said on Friday that Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held a telephone call with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin where they discussed lowering the risk of "possible escalation".

The call, the second in just more than two weeks between the defense chiefs, was initiated by Russia, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told a news briefing. Austin emphasized the importance of keeping open lines of communication during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Singh said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the US decision despite criticism from members of his Social Democrats.

The decision marks a return of US cruise missiles to Germany after a 20-year absence.

Responding to the Kremlin's warning that the US missile deployment could put European capitals at risk, a US State Department spokesperson said the US and NATO "do not seek a military conflict with Russia ... but any military action directed against a NATO Ally would trigger an overwhelming response".

The German army does not have long-range missiles that launch from the ground, only cruise missiles that can be fired by aircraft.

The 1980s deployment of US Pershing ballistic missiles in West Germany at the height of the Cold War prompted widespread demonstrations, with hundreds of thousands coming out in pacifist protest.

Agencies Via Xinhua