• Russia no longer observes a moratorium on deploying intermediate-range missiles.
• The Kremlin blames Western actions for the withdrawal from the INF Treaty.
• Increased military tensions follow U.S. nuclear submarine deployments in response.
• Dmitry Medvedev warns of heightened military readiness among Russia's adversaries.
• Russia's leadership can now decide on missile deployments based on security assessments.

On Monday, Russia announced it no longer considers itself bound by the self-imposed moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and short-range nuclear missiles. This decision, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, is a reaction to “the actions of Western countries” which they deemed a “direct threat” to their security. The statement highlighted that conditions for maintaining the moratorium had effectively “disappeared,” with the ministry asserting that Moscow is now entitled to make decisions regarding missile deployments without any constraints imposed by the former treaty, which had been established in 1987 under the INF framework, according to Indiatimes, Newsweek, Channel News Asia, and The Hill.

The Kremlin emphasized that it would take “appropriate measures if necessary,” signaling a potential resumption of intermediate-range missile production. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared, “Russia no longer sees itself as limited," and indicated that Moscow could deploy previously banned missiles without making public announcements about specific placements. This shift follows heightened military tensions and direct provocations from the United States, particularly the recent deployment of U.S. submarines in regions close to Russia, as stated by multiple Russian officials, according to Indiatimes, Newsweek, and Channel News Asia.

This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of deteriorating diplomatic relations, further escalated by comments from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. He claimed that Russia's opponents should prepare for a “new reality” as the country resumes its military preparations in response to perceived threats. The situation is compounded by U.S. President Donald Trump's ultimatum demanding changes in Russia's military policies, leading to concerns about military confrontation, particularly regarding strategies in Ukraine and broader European security, as noted by Newsweek, Channel News Asia, and The Hill.

As the global implications of this move are significant, Russia's actions indicate a readiness to counter U.S. military advancements. Decisions regarding where and when to deploy these new weapons will be evaluated based on ongoing developments in international security and the strategic landscape, reflecting the heightening stakes in Russia-U.S. relations, according to Indiatimes, Newsweek, Channel News Asia, and The Hill.