The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the need to build up tactical missile potential to respond to Western attacks.

Russian Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Grigory Mashkov, in an article for the International Affairs magazine, expressed the possibility of revising Russia's position on the non-deployment of medium-range and longer-range ballistic missiles on the western border. The diplomat drew attention to the fact that after the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), all restrictions were lifted, causing discussions about the need to strengthen the country's missile potential.

Mashkov wondered about the expediency of Russia's current position in the western direction and the possibility of starting preparations for the deployment of missiles capable of promptly responding to threats. He also noted the importance of strengthening the eastern borders of the country and the availability of medium-range missiles to ensure national security.

The ambassador emphasized that Russia should build up its tactical potential and stockpile missile weapons in advance, including Kaliningrad, in order to effectively respond to any challenges. Mashkov pointed out the need to analyze the threats emerging in the western direction and develop ways to counter them.

In March, President Vladimir Putin announced an agreement between Moscow and Minsk to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus without violating international obligations. Putin stressed that Russia does not transfer nuclear weapons to Belarus, but only follows the practice of the United States. The construction of a storage facility for weapons on the territory of Belarus is scheduled to be completed on July 1.