MOSCOW (Agencies)
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.
Washington insists the planned facilities are directed against "rogue states" such as Iran and in no way threaten Russia.
Moscow "is obliged to take corresponding measures that prevent under any circumstances the devaluing of Russia's nuclear deterrent.
"We should be sure that the current and future strategic missile forces are guaranteed to fulfill the task of strategic deterrence," said Solovtsov.
He added that by the end of the year Russia planned to carry out four strategic missile tests, including a test of the new RS-24, capable of carrying a clutch of independently targetable warheads.
The comments came as tensions mounted between Russia and the United States over Russia's military surge into Georgia last month and the question of missile defense. |
