US cruise missiles are set to return to Germany, sparking outrage in Moscow.

 At NATO's 75th anniversary summit, it was announced that long-range US missiles will be periodically deployed in Germany from 2026, marking the first time since the Cold War. The deployment includes Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6, and hypersonic missiles, which have a significantly longer range than existing missiles, according to a joint statement from the US and Germany.

These types of missiles were previously banned under a 1988 treaty between the US and the former Soviet Union, which dissolved five years ago. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned that Moscow would respond militarily to this new threat, accusing NATO and the US of escalating tensions and trying to intimidate Russia.

The US-German statement clarified that the initial "episodic" deployment of the missiles is intended to be temporary but will eventually become permanent. This move is part of the US's commitment to NATO and Europe's "integrated deterrence." German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius explained at the NATO summit in Washington that the US plan aims to encourage Germany and other European countries to invest in developing and procuring longer-range missiles. The temporary deployment allows NATO allies time to prepare and address a growing capability gap in Europe.

These missiles were previously prohibited under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed at the end of the Cold War, which covered ground-launched missiles with a range of 500-5,500 km (310-3,400 miles). Russian President Vladimir Putin viewed the treaty as too restrictive, and in 2014, the US accused Russia of violating the pact with a new nuclear-capable cruise missile. The US withdrew from the treaty in 2019, followed by Russia.

Politicians from Germany's Greens criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision to allow US missiles on German soil. As part of Scholz's ruling coalition, their security spokeswoman, Sara Nanni, expressed frustration over his lack of commentary on the decision, warning it could heighten fears and lead to disinformation and incitement.