Denmark refutes Russia’s missile claims

Denmark’s Ministry of Defense denies claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin that the US placed intermediate-range missiles there, asserting NATO’s role is one of deterrence in view of Russian aggression. Putin did not provide specifics about the alleged missile deployment. He also stated that the US has resumed manufacturing these missiles, compelling Russia to restart its own production. The missiles in question have ranges from 500 to 5,500 kilometers and may carry nuclear warheads. Analyst Anders Puck Nielsen mentioned that the US tested a missile system that could launch intermediate-range missiles in a May exercise on Bornholm, but Denmark reported these were shorter-range missiles. Nielsen suggests that Putin’s claims could be intended to blame the West for escalation and deter support for Ukraine. The US and Russia suspended the INF Treaty banning such missiles in 2019.