Russian news agencies Wednesday quoted a top military officer as warning that Russia could target U.S. missile defenses in Europe with ballistic missiles.
Head of strategic missile forces General Nikolai Solovtsov said that Russia could make use of some "counter measures" if the United States goes ahead with plans to place missile defense components in Poland or the Czech Republic, as this could pose a strategic threat to Russia.
The comments were made just one day before Russia's foreign minister visits Poland. "I can't exclude that if such decisions are taken by our military-political leadership, the missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic and other such objects could be chosen as designated targets for some of our inter-continental ballistic missiles," General Nikolai Solovtsov said.
Poland and the United States reached a deal last month on building the site for 10 U.S. missile interceptors by 2012. While the 10 missile interceptors planned for Poland could not themselves undermine Russia's arsenal, Moscow was troubled by a lack of transparency in the project, Solovtsov said.
Moscow sees the plans for new U.S. missile defense facilities in central Europe as part of an effort to encircle Russia. |