Russia warns U.S. over missile defense plans

Russian concerns over U.S. missile shield could put damper on recently enacted New START treaty

By Associated Press

Published February 7, 2011 1:25PM (EST)

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, right, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov finalize the New START treaty during the Conference on Security Policy in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (AP)
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, right, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov finalize the New START treaty during the Conference on Security Policy in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) (AP)

Russia's deputy foreign minister is reported as saying the development of the U.S. missile shield may force Moscow to review its participation in a landmark U.S.-Russian nuclear arms treaty.

Russia news agencies quote Sergei Ryabkov warning that a "qualitative and quantitative" buildup in the U.S. missile defense capability would prompt Moscow to consider whether it should abide by the New START treaty. Moscow has made similar warnings in the past.

The New START took effect last week. It limits each country to 1,550 strategic warheads, down from the current ceiling of 2,200.

NATO has approved a plan for a U.S.-led missile shield in Europe and invited Russia to join.

Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Monday the shield is aimed at Russian nuclear forces.


By Associated Press

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