Russia signals possible military build-up if US deploys missiles in Germany

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia might expand its medium- and short-range missiles as well as its naval forces, should the United States proceed with its plans to deploy long-range missiles in Germany. Putin emphasized that, in such a case, Russia would no longer feel bound by the unilaterally entered moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles. "Should the United States implement such plans, we consider ourselves freed from the previously unilaterally entered moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range weapons," Putin stated in St. Petersburg on the occasion of the celebrations for Russian Navy Day. A potential enhancement of Russian coastal troops and naval capabilities would be explicitly considered to adequately respond to potential threats. This announcement could further strain the already tense relations between Russia and NATO, and prompt analyses and reactions from the international community.