Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Western powers Monday of forcing Russia to respond by pushing it toward its declared “red lines,” while warning of potential changes to Russian missile deployment policies.
Speaking at a defense officials meeting, Putin expressed serious concern over U.S. development and possible deployment of short and medium-range missiles. He threatened to remove Russia’s self-imposed restrictions on missile deployment if the U.S. proceeds with such installations.
The Russian leader referenced his military’s claimed capture of 189 settlements in Ukraine during 2024, while emphasizing that Russia’s nuclear arsenal serves purely deterrent purposes.
