Russia Warns NATO Missile Deployments in Norway Threaten Strategic Stability
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has characterized the deployment of U.S. missile systems in Norway as a “highly destabilizing” move. Speaking to Anatolia News Agency, as reported by Mehr News Agency, Zakharova stated that these systems possess the capability to target a large swathe of Russian territory, including Moscow.
Zakharova elaborated on Monday that the deployment of American systems in Europe capable of launching short- and medium-range missiles represents another step in NATO member states’ “endless chain of destabilizing actions.” She indicated that NATO is aiming to gain control over crucial maritime routes in the region. The systems stationed in Norway are equipped with Mk-41 launch cells, which can fire missiles at both ground and sea targets.
According to Zakharova, these systems are capable of launching Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles. Their presence in Norway means a substantial part of European Russia, including Moscow, will fall within their missile range. She issued a stern warning that the American missile systems and their associated command and support infrastructure in Norway will become a focal point for Russia’s strategic deterrence planning, including the planning for offensive capabilities in the event of an armed conflict.
Addressing strategic stability talks between Russia and the United States, Zakharova stated that these discussions have not ceased but were unilaterally suspended by the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden. She also criticized the current U.S. administration’s proposal for multilateral negotiations involving China, noting that Beijing has repeatedly indicated it sees no compelling reasons to participate in such talks under the current circumstances.
Zakharova concluded that the necessary conditions for serious and constructive dialogue on strategic stability between Moscow and Washington have not yet been established. She warned that the deployment of U.S. land-based missile systems in Europe, which Moscow perceives as a threat, would effectively nullify the prerequisites for constructive bilateral discussions on strategic matters.
