President Dmitry Medvedev says Russia will aim its missiles at U.S. missile defense sites in Europe if the United States fails to address Russian concerns over its plans to deploy a missile defense system there.
In a televised statement on November 23, Medvedev said that Russia may deploy missiles in its westernmost Kaliningrad exclave and other areas if Russia and the United States fail to reach an agreement on U.S. plans to deploy a missile shield in Europe by 2020.
He also said Russia could opt out of the New START arms-control deal with the United States and halt other arms-control talks if the U.S. proceeds with its plans.
The United States says the shield is needed to protect against potential threats from nations such as Iran, but Russia claims it would threaten its nuclear arsenal.
compiled from agency reports