MOSCOW. (Nikita Petrov for RIA Novosti)...

The Kremlin thinks the sole aim of the U.S. ballistic missile defense system in Europe is to undermine the counterstrike potential of the Russian strategic deterrence forces deployed in the Tver, Ivanovo, Saratov and Kaluga regions in central Russia. In fact, it will be a formidable threat to one-third of Russia's Strategic Missile Force.

Lavrov did not hide the Kremlin's concern.

"We don't see any threats to Russia coming from Poland," he said at a news conference after his talks with Sikorski. "But we cannot ignore the fact that an inalienable element of the U.S. strategic systems will be deployed close to our border. The [ballistic missile] facilities in Eastern Europe cannot have other targets than Russia's strategic arsenal for years to come."

This was Russia's response to those who claim the U.S. missile defense system in Europe is designed to protect the United States and its allies from the ballistic missiles of rogue states, primarily

Pages: [1] 2 3 4 5 6