Russia eyes deploying medium-range missiles in Asia in response to US actions

Russia is considering the deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles in Asia as one of its responses to similar actions by the United States, according to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister.

In a statement to journalists on November 25, Ryabkov confirmed that this option had been discussed multiple times in the past, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"Without a doubt, this is one of the options that has been repeatedly mentioned. The appearance of corresponding U.S. systems in any region of the world will determine our further steps, including in organizing military and military-technical responses," Ryabkov said, responding to a question on the matter.

The diplomat emphasized that diplomatic efforts to persuade the adversary have proven ineffective.

"More potent measures" are required, such as the deployment of similar missile systems as a compensatory step, he added.

Ryabkov also pointed out that Russia would continue to make efforts to convey its position on this issue, despite the growing military tensions.

To recall, on November 24, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko accused NATO of supplying strike weapons to Asia that violate the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. This shift in the security dynamic, according to Rudenko, has led to a significant increase in militarization in the region.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had previously highlighted that NATO is expanding its influence into the Asia-Pacific region under the guise of ensuring the security of its members. In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin also warned that U.S. missile deployments in Asia pose a direct threat to both China and Russia.

In April, it was revealed that the U.S. had deployed medium-range missiles in the Philippines. Later, in September, U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth stated that Washington was interested in placing ground-launched medium- and short-range missiles in Japan. In response, Ryabkov warned that Russia would take comprehensive military-technical countermeasures should the U.S. proceed with these plans.

By Khagan Isayev