Moscow-Sana
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed his country's concern over the possibility of NATO deploying medium and short-range missiles in Europe, warning of a new "missile crisis".
"We have big questions about the possibility of deploying medium and short-range missiles in Europe, and this is where things are heading," Ryabkov was quoted as saying in an interview with Russia's Channel One today, adding: "Here it seems that a new crisis will emerge."
"Moscow is concerned about the increased possibility of the use and preparation of nuclear weapons in this area by the United States, both in terms of doctrine and material," Ryabkov said.
It is noteworthy that the United States withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019 under the pretext of Russia's violation of it, while Moscow rejected these accusations, noting that Washington is seeking to strengthen its military presence in Europe.
NATO had earlier rejected a Russian initiative to refrain from deploying medium and short-range missiles in Europe following the suspension of the said treaty.