By Xinhua
Moscow : President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia would take retaliatory measures against the deployment of a US missile defense system in Central Europe, Itar-Tass news agency reported Monday.
"In case of the deployment of anti-missile defence systems in Europe we warn that there will be retaliatory steps. We have to ensure our security. And this process was not initiated by us," Putin said in an interview published Monday focusing on the Group of Eight summit scheduled in Germany.
The US plans to deploy missile interceptors in Poland and radar units in the Czech Republic as part of a project to extend the missile defence system in Europe. Russia has voiced strong opposition over the deployment.
"We want to be heard, to make our position clear, and we don't rule out that our American partners can reconsider their decision, " Putin said, warning that there will be "an obviously imminent new arms race in Europe" if the US plans were implemented.
Russia will target European facilities as retaliatory steps against the alleged first "elements of US nuclear potential" appearing on the European continent, he said.