Russia’s done waiting. On August 4, it dropped its own ban on putting mid-range and short-range missiles on the ground — the kind that can hit hard and fast. This move’s a direct answer to the U.S. getting ready to place new missile systems in Europe by 2026.
No More Holding Back
Even after the INF Treaty fell apart in 2019, Russia had kept its missiles in check — promising it wouldn’t act unless the U.S. did first. Now? That’s over. The U.S. is setting up weapons like Typhoon and Dark Eagle missiles in Germany, and Russia says that breaks the deal. So they’re done playing nice.
The Kremlin says this isn’t about stirring up trouble. It’s just about keeping the balance — especially since NATO’s been creeping closer with missile systems across Eastern and Central Europe.
Warnings and New Weapons
Right after the announcement, Dmitry Medvedev — former Russian president — said this is “a new military reality.” He didn’t give details, but there’s talk about a new missile system called the “Oreshnik.” It’s fast, deadly, and can carry nukes. And it might be placed in Belarus, right near NATO’s edge.
These kinds of missiles shrink the time between launch and impact. There’s barely room for thinking, let alone reacting. One mistake could start something massive. The Oreshnik moves fast — too fast for comfort.
Blame Game
Russia says the U.S. started this, putting weapons near Russian borders and heating things up. The U.S. says it’s just trying to protect allies — especially with the war in Ukraine still going.
Back to Cold War Vibes
What’s happening now feels like a replay of the 1980s — only with faster, scarier weapons. Back then, missiles sparked protests and panic. Now, with no treaties left and both sides gearing up, Europe might be heading into a new arms race.
Leaders across Europe are getting nervous. Countries hosting U.S. missiles or sitting close to Russia fear they’ll be caught in the middle if things go south.
No Talks, Just Tension
People are calling for arms talks, but nobody’s really budging. Russia says it won’t sit down unless other big players like China are included. The U.S. wants to talk about Russia’s new high-tech weapons first.
So for now? Talks are dead. The only thing moving is missiles — lots of them.
What’s Next
The U.S. is sticking to its missile plans. Russia’s likely speeding up its own. Places like Belarus or Kaliningrad could be next in line — both within reach of major European cities.
Missiles that travel in minutes. Tempers that snap in seconds. And no one seems ready to pull back.
The missile freeze is done. What comes next could be worse.
