In a recent interview, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov issued a stark warning that European capitals could become "potential targets" for Russian missiles.
Response to Tomahawk Missiles
According to SE this declaration comes in response to NATO's decision to deploy long-range Tomahawk missiles in Germany, aimed at protecting NATO countries and deterring potential aggressors.
During the NATO summit in Washington, the United States and Germany announced their plan to station these missiles in Germany as part of a broader strategy to bolster NATO's defensive capabilities. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that this move aligns perfectly with Germany’s security strategy.
However, this decision has provoked a strong reaction from Russia. In his interview with Russian propagandist Pavel Zarubin, Peskov reminisced about the Cold War era, drawing parallels between the current situation and the period when American missiles in Europe were targeted at Russia, and vice versa.
Capitals as Potential Targets
Peskov emphasized that Russia possesses "sufficient potential" to counter these U.S. missiles but warned that European capitals could now be in the crosshairs.
"The potential targets would be the capitals of European states," Peskov said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
He reiterated that during the Cold War, American missiles in Europe were aimed at Russia, prompting Russia to target European locations in return. This historical context was intended to highlight the cyclical nature of such military escalations and the persistent tension between NATO and Russia.
Peskov's remarks reflect the Kremlin's aggressive stance and willingness to evoke Cold War rhetoric to underscore its discontent with NATO's strategic decisions. His comments also paint a picture of Europe on the brink, claiming that "Europe is now bursting at the seams" and that it is not an ideal time for the continent.