http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17937795
Russia says it is prepared to use "destructive force preemptively" against NATO Missile Defense
Russia hosted an international conference on missile defense in Moscow on Thursday where Russian army officials showed computer simulation models to illustrate how they believe the planned U.S. and NATO missile shield threatens its security.
NATO officials are hopeful an agreement with Russia will be reached before the NATO summit but Russia is adamant their concerns are not being listened to.
Washington says the shield, due to be completed in four phases by roughly 2020, is meant to counter a potential threat from Iran. Moscow says the system will undermine Russia's nuclear deterrent because it could also give the West the ability to shoot down Russian missiles.
The shield's first phase is to be declared up and running at the summit in Chicago later this month.
Russia and NATO agreed in 2010 to seek ways to cooperate on missile defense but have failed to reach a deal. The Kremlin wants a legally binding guarantee that the system will not be used against Russia. The United States says it cannot agree to any formal limits on missile defense.
In the meantime, Moscow said it can strike the missile defense system elements pre-emptively if they are considered a serious threat to Russia's security.
Russia says it is prepared to use "destructive force pre-emptively" if the US goes ahead with controversial plans for a missile defence system based in Central Europe. Missile shift 'defends Iran's neighbors'
Last edited by Carol on Thu May 03, 2012 10:23 pm; edited 1 time in total