Putin: Hosts of American Missiles Will Be Within Russia's Reach

The President of Russia has stated that if the United States proceeds with the transfer and deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe, Moscow will place the host countries of these weapons within its reach. Vladimir Putin's remarks were made on October 24, less than a week after Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the "Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty" with Moscow. The treaty, signed in 1987 between then U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, aimed to eliminate nuclear and conventional cruise missiles and their launch platforms with ranges between 500 and 5500 kilometers. Trump's advisor emphasized the withdrawal from the missile treaty with Russia; NATO Secretary General's reaction. Trump stated at the time of the announcement, "We will not allow Russia to violate a nuclear agreement, while we are not allowed to do so ourselves." At the same time, John Bolton, his National Security Advisor, was sent to Moscow to negotiate with Kremlin officials. Bolton, who is said to have played a major role in convincing the President to withdraw from the missile treaty, emphasized that there would be no return to it. However, Putin remains hopeful that such actions will not ultimately lead to the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe: "If they (American intermediate-range missiles) are placed in Europe, we will naturally respond in kind." The Russian President told reporters on Wednesday, after meeting with the Italian Prime Minister, that "European nations that agree to such a thing must understand that they are potentially facing a retaliatory strike threat. These are very clear issues." He added, "I do not understand why we should expose Europe to such a serious danger... I see no reason for it." Putin stated, "This is not our choice. We do not wish to do this." Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, defended the U.S. the day before, while also stating that Russia has violated the intermediate-range nuclear missile treaty and that European countries are not supposed to resort to more nuclear weapons in response. According to Stoltenberg, the United States has adhered to this treaty, signed in 1987 by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, and the only issue and challenge in this matter is "Russia's behavior." This is the same accusation that U.S. administrations, even before Trump's presidency, have leveled against Moscow; Moscow has always denied these accusations. Putin has reiterated similar statements and added that he is willing to discuss this issue with the U.S. President. Two days ago, during a meeting between Bolton and Putin, the Russian President expressed his desire to continue his dialogue with his American counterpart. The U.S. National Security Advisor also announced after meeting with Vladimir Putin that Washington is making precise plans for a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the World War I centenary ceremony to be held on November 11 in Paris.