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Russia Exits INF Freeze and Signals Missile Countermeasures

Moscow accused Washington of deploying ground-launched Typhon launchers with Tomahawk cruise missiles in Europe alongside Dark Eagle hypersonic systems in the Asia-Pacific, prompting it to lift its moratorium on intermediate-range missiles.

Overview

  • Russia formally declared that it no longer considers itself bound by its self-imposed INF-range missile restrictions and ended its unilateral moratorium.
  • The foreign ministry cited U.S. deployments of Typhon-Tomahawk systems in the Philippines and Dark Eagle hypersonic launchers in Australia during Talisman Sabre drills as justification.
  • Dmitry Medvedev warned on social media that Russia will pursue further military-technical steps to neutralize emerging threats and maintain strategic balance.
  • Only the New START Treaty now curbs U.S.-Russia nuclear arms, but Russia suspended participation in 2023 and the pact expires in February 2026.
  • Washington’s planned episodic deployments of intermediate-range launchers in Germany from 2026 raise concerns over a revived Cold War-style arms race.