“All we can do now is to install nuclear warheads on our Iskander ballistic missiles and extended-range X-555 cruise missiles on our Tu-22M3 strategic bombers,” the Academy of Geopolitical Studies director Konstantin Sivkov told RIA Novosti news agency.
The German Defense Ministry refused any comment, while a Pentagon and State Department officials have claimed that the US nuclear posture in NATO ally countries is consistent with all treaty obligations.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the US move as a potential "violation of the strategic balance in Europe," that would demand a Russian response.
"This could alter the balance of power in Europe," Peskov told reporters at a news press conference on Wednesday. "And without a doubt it would demand that Russia take necessary countermeasures to restore the strategic balance and parity."
The B61 is a variable yield nuclear device, blurring the lines between so-called tactical and strategic nuclear weapons. In other words, the power of the weapon can be adjusted for use as a small-scale battlefield nuke, or set to detonate at over 300 megatons.
