Russia’s Missile Move Sparks New Arms Race Fears

Russia’s decision to end its moratorium on deploying intermediate-range nuclear missiles reignites fears of a new arms race, challenging the global security landscape.

Story Overview

Russia ends its moratorium on intermediate-range missiles, citing U.S. and allied actions.
This move follows the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019.
Russia claims the decision is a response to Western missile deployments.
Heightened tensions may lead to an escalation in nuclear brinkmanship.

Russia Ends Moratorium on Missile Deployment

On August 5, 2025, Russia announced it would no longer adhere to its self-imposed moratorium on deploying intermediate-range nuclear missiles. This decision was officially declared by the Russian Foreign Ministry as a reaction to perceived threats from U.S. and allied missile deployments in Europe and Asia. The move follows the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, a critical arms control agreement that had restricted such deployments for decades.

Historical Context and Tensions

The INF Treaty, signed in 1987 between the U.S. and the USSR, aimed to eliminate an entire class of nuclear and conventional missiles. It was a cornerstone of Cold War arms control. However, the treaty collapsed in 2019 when the U.S. accused Russia of violations, leading to its withdrawal. Since then, tensions have escalated, with Russia maintaining a moratorium on deployments until now, ostensibly to maintain strategic parity with the West.

The current decision by Russia comes amid deteriorating U.S.-Russia relations and ongoing conflicts, such as the situation in Ukraine. This geopolitical backdrop has intensified great-power competition in both Europe and Asia, with increased military deployments and diplomatic standoffs further complicating the security landscape.

Impact and Implications

The end of Russia’s moratorium raises the specter of renewed military tensions and potential missile deployments by both Russia and the U.S./NATO. This escalation poses significant risks to the stability of European and Asia-Pacific regions. The absence of clear details from Russia on when or where these missiles will be deployed only adds to the uncertainty.

Economically, increased defense spending is likely as nations invest in missile defense and countermeasures. Politically, this could lead to polarization within NATO and the EU over the placement of U.S. missiles. Socially, there may be heightened anxiety and increased anti-nuclear activism in potential deployment zones.