U.S. Cancels Part of Missile Defense That Russia Opposed

MOSCOW – As part of its plan to deploy additional ballistic missile interceptors to counter North Korea, the United States has effectively canceled the final phase of a Europe-based missile defense system that was fiercely opposed by Russia and cited repeatedly by the Kremlin as a major obstacle to cooperation on nuclear arms reductions and other issues.

Russian officials here have so far declined to comment on the announcement, which was made in Washington on Friday by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Aides to President Vladimir V. Putin said there would be no reaction until early next week, when they expect to be briefed by American officials.

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