The Facts

• Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed to deploy previously banned long-range missiles close to Western countries if the US goes through with its plan to station similar long-range, nuclear-capable missiles in Germany in 2026.

• Speaking at a naval parade in St Petersburg, Putin said if the US goes forward with the move, Russia would take "mirror measures," adding that "we will consider ourselves free" from its self-imposed moratorium on such weapons — in reference to the 1987 US-Soviet treaty that the US pulled out of in 2019.Speaking at a naval parade in St Petersburg, Putin said that, if the US goes forward with the move, Russia would take "mirror measures," adding that "we will consider ourselves free" from its self-imposed moratorium on such weapons — a reference to the 1987 US-Soviet treaty that the US pulled out of in 2019.

• Putin's remarks followed the July 11 announcement from the US that it will station Tomahawk cruise, SM-6 and hypersonic missiles in Germany from 2026. Such weapons would've been banned under the 1987 treaty and the announcement triggered a diplomatic furore in the halls of Moscow and Washington not seen since the Cold War.Putin's remarks followed the July 11 announcement from the US that it will station Tomahawk cruise, SM-6 and hypersonic missiles in Germany from 2026. The announcement triggered a diplomatic furore in the halls of Moscow and Washington.