By: Ruyi Lin

On Friday, the 27th, President Vladimir V. Putin revealed Russia’s intention of producing new intermediate-range nuclear missiles shortly after his visit to North Korea. Tensing relations with NATO countries, his announcement hinted at the possibility of deploying intermediate-range nuclear missiles (ground-launched missiles with a range of 1000 to 5500 km) within reach of NATO countries in Europe and American allies in Asia, although no specifics were provided.

Putin’s announcement was planned to be right before significant political events in Europe, such as the impending elections in Britain and France, and the 75th anniversary NATO summit in Washington on July 9, escalating Russia’s ongoing conflicts with Western nations. The backdrop to Putin’s announcement also includes the U.S.’s 2019 withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (this treaty reduced Cold War tensions by banning middle-range land-based missiles) under President Trump, following Russian treaty violations.

A decade ago, Russia deployed Iskander missiles near Western Europe, which the Obama administration claimed was a violation to the treaty. While Obama chose to stay in the treaty, Trump later exited it, causing the U.S. Pentagon to consider deploying similar weapons in the Pacific nations. Putin’s strategy in the Ukraine conflict and possible coercion using nuclear missiles follows earlier escalations, such as raising nuclear forces’ readiness. This latest announcement raises concerns among NATO members who are wary of what the future holds from an alliance between Russia and North Korea.

By linking Russia’s new missile production to NATO’s actions, Putin may be signaling a willingness to negotiate with NATO (about actions that may not be favorable to Russia’s strategy in Ukraine), despite the heightened military strengthening to advance seizing Ukraine. Globally, people are observing as these events unfold, with potential lack of global security and diplomatic relations.