Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz praises the announcement from the USA that the country will deploy long-distance weapons in Germany with the declared aim of deterring Russia.
This will be the first time in 20 years that American cruise missiles are deployed in Germany. The decision has sparked criticism, including from representatives of Scholz's own party, the Social Democratic SPD. Member of the Bundestag Ralf Stegner warns that it could mark the beginning of a new "arms race".
At the ongoing NATO summit in Washington, the Federal Chancellor defends the decision, stating that it was made in a "deterrent" purpose and to "ensure peace".
The plan is to deploy the weapons periodically from 2026 onwards.
Moscow criticizes the decision and claims that it further exacerbates the tensions between Russia and the West.
We are taking steady steps towards the Cold War, says Kremlin spokesperson Dmitrij Peskov in a TV interview.
