The United States is preparing to deploy new missile systems in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region that could reach central Russia within minutes, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said during a meeting of the Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin.

According to Belousov, by the end of this year, the U. S. Army plans to put into service the Dark Eagle medium-range missile system, equipped with hypersonic warheads capable of striking targets up to 5,500 kilometers away.

He stated that Washington intends to deploy these systems both in Europe and across the Asia-Pacific. If stationed in Germany, Belousov warned, the missiles could reach central Russian targets in roughly six to seven minutes.

The minister also reported that in October, the United States conducted military exercises named Global Tender-2025, which involved practicing a preemptive nuclear strike on Russian territory. He added that such strategic drills are a regular component of U.S. military planning.

President Putin, for his part, emphasized that Russia continues to strictly adhere to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and has no plans to abandon its commitments. The Russian leader reiterated that Moscow consistently follows international agreements and does not intend to deviate from them.