Russian Information Agency Novosti
December 10, 2013
Putin Again Slams US Missile Defense Plans
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday reiterated staunch opposition to US plans to deploy an extensive missile defense system in Europe, saying the network would “erode” the world’s balance of power.
He said at a meeting with Russia’s defense minister that the country should upgrade its weaponry to maintain parity with “leading nations actively modernizing their arsenals.”
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia would pursue deployment of Iskander nuclear missiles in the country’s western-most region, Kaliningrad, a move threatened in the past as a reaction to the US missile plans.
Putin also noted that the impending withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan would create a “region of instability” in Central Asia, “directly affecting the interests and safety of the Russian Federation.”
The United States and its allies are expected to withdraw the bulk of their forces from Afghanistan next year, following more than a decade of war in the world’s number-one opium producer.
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Voice of Russia
December 10, 2013
Putin says US missile shield in Europe can ‘tip strategic balance’
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned about the continuing attempts to upset the strategic balance in the world.
Speaking at today’s defense meeting, the Russian leader said the global balance was threatened primarily by the ever-expanding US ballistic-missile shield in Europe.
“There are continuing attempts to tip or erode strategic balance. First and foremost, they are linked with the US plans on anti-ballistic defense, including those for Europe” he said.
0Putin also drew attention to the possible setback of the 2014 NATO pullout from Afghanistan that could destabilize Central Asia, and warned of potential spillover into neighboring countries.
Voice of Russia, TASS
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