Russia has warned that locations hosting Germany’s planned long-range weapon systems could be treated as legitimate military targets if the weapons are configured to strike Russian territory.
The warning was attributed to an official at the Russian embassy in Berlin and reported by the Russian newspaper Izvestia. The statement comes as tensions between Moscow and Berlin continue to deteriorate over Germany’s military support for Ukraine and its plans to strengthen long-range strike capabilities.
Russian embassy points to deployment sites
The Russian diplomatic official said that critics of what Moscow describes as Germany’s growing militarisation were justified in raising concerns over where the new weapons would be stationed.
“Deployment sites of such weapons will inevitably become Russia’s legitimate military targets,” the official said, according to the report.
The statement specifically linked the potential targeting of German facilities to whether the systems were intended to be used against Russia.
Warning comes amid wider military buildup
Germany has been moving to expand its long-range strike capabilities as European governments reassess their defence requirements following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Recent reporting indicates that Germany has also conducted a test involving an Israeli-made LORA ballistic missile, reflecting Berlin’s broader effort to develop or acquire systems capable of striking targets at greater distances.
The development has added another layer to already strained relations between Germany and Russia.
Berlin and Moscow relations continue to deteriorate
The latest warning comes against the backdrop of a growing diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
Germany has accused Russia of responsibility for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport and announced measures including the planned closure of Russia’s consulate in Bonn and the termination of an agreement involving the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin. Moscow has rejected the allegations and criticised Berlin’s response.
Russia has subsequently announced retaliatory measures against German cultural institutions, further deepening the diplomatic confrontation.
Potential targets raise escalation concerns
The Russian embassy’s warning does not amount to an announcement of a specific military operation against Germany, but its language highlights the risks surrounding the deployment of long-range weapons in Europe.
If Germany were to station systems capable of striking deep inside Russian territory, Moscow could view those locations as part of the military infrastructure supporting attacks against Russia.
Such rhetoric comes as European governments are increasingly focused on strengthening their ability to deter potential Russian aggression while continuing to support Ukraine.
Germany faces growing pressure to strengthen defence
Berlin’s push to improve its long-range capabilities forms part of a wider European effort to increase military preparedness. At the same time, Germany has faced growing concerns over alleged Russian sabotage and hybrid operations on its territory.
German officials have described a series of incidents targeting infrastructure as part of a broader security challenge, while Moscow has denied responsibility for the alleged attacks.
The exchange of accusations and warnings has added to fears that the confrontation between Russia and European states could extend beyond the battlefield in Ukraine.
For now, the Russian embassy’s statement represents a sharp warning from Moscow that the location and intended use of Germany’s emerging long-range strike systems could carry significant consequences.
