The German government is once again defending the planned deployment of long-range U.S. missiles in Germany after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of retaliatory military measures.

German government spokeswoman, Christiane Hoffmann, said that Berlin had already outlined the reasons for the stationing of U.S. missiles in 2026 that can reach as far away as Russia.

“Namely, because Russia has changed the strategic balance in Europe and is threatening Europe and Germany with cruise missiles—and we have to establish this deterrent,” she said on Monday.

Mr Putin warned on Sunday of a Cold War-style missile crisis, saying Moscow would be forced to take “mirror” measures in response to the plans from Washington and Berlin.

Russia will no longer feel committed to an earlier ban on land-based medium-range nuclear weapons, Mr Putin said.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty banning such weapons no longer applies since the U.S. formally withdrew from it in 2019.

When the U.S. pulled out during the administration of Donald Trump, it said Russia had long violated its obligations under the treaty.

According to Mr Putin, however, Russia has continued to adhere to the agreements even though the treaty is effectively dead.

Mr Putin also said that Russian warships could be equipped with missiles as a response to the German-U.S. plan.

When Hoffmann was asked about Mr Putin’s threats, she said only, “We take note of them.”

(dpa/NAN)