Putin: We will develop new nuclear missiles if Washington does so

"Russia considers it necessary, without delay, to resume full negotiations on ensuring strategic stability and security, and we are ready for this," Putin said in a statement.

"Given the current situation, I instruct the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian intelligence service to monitor the future steps of the United States in the development, production and deployment of medium and short-range missiles, If reliable information is received that the United States has completed the development of missiles and began to produce systems, Russia will have to start developing similar missiles on a large scale," Putin warned, elsewhere in his statement.

The Russian leader also condemned Washington for “seriously complicating the situation in the world and creating fundamental risks for all” by withdrawing from the INF.

 
Earlier in the day, Putin held a meeting with his Security Council after which he ordered the defense and foreign ministries and Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service to closely monitor any moves Washington made to develop, produce or deploy missiles banned under the collapsed treaty.
 
The US has been deploying its missiles in Eastern Europe and near Russia’s western borders, a provocative move denounced by the Kremlin.
 
Moscow has repeatedly warned Washington not to deploy such missiles in the vicinity of Russia’s borders, vowing to deploy its own missiles, capable of reaching all parts of Europe in response.