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Putin warns new weapons will point toward U.S. if missiles are deployed in Europe 

February 20, 2019 at 9:32 a.m. EST
In his annual address Feb. 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned about consequences if the United States deployed missiles in Europe. (Video: Reuters)

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that his country’s new missiles would point toward the United States if Washington expands its missile network in Europe.

Putin emphasized that Russia will act only if the United States makes the first move, but his remarks were among the strongest yet on a potential new arms race after the countries’ mutual pullout from a Cold War-era nuclear weapons treaty.