December 21st, Russian President Putin asked the Russian military to respond to the military deployment of NATO countries on Russia’s western border at the expanded meeting of the Ministry of Defense, and to respond quickly if necessary.
Putin said: “Russia has no intention to deploy short- and medium-range missiles on its European border or other areas…
But similar weapons deployed by Western countries near our borders must be dealt with. If necessary, fight back in the shortest time.”
Putin reiterated at the meeting that Russia has not received a reply from the United States on the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
The treaty will expire in February 2021.” We have offered more than once that we are prepared to continue to extend the agreement, but the United States has not responded to it.”
