Russia responds to U.S. ABM deployment

Russia has confirmed that the country’s missile tests and possible withdrawal from the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty are direct responses to the U.S. plans to deploy an anti-missile shield in Poland and Czech Republic.

Speaking in Moscow Russia’s President Vladimir Putin confirmed this: “Our partners, our American partners, have pulled out from the ABM Treaty. We have informed them that we would take certain steps in a bid to preserve the strategic balance in the world. It is vitally important for preserving the universal peace. Yesterday we tested a new ballistic missile; we have also tested a new cruise missile. We will continue improving our abilities, but I would like to draw your attention to the fact that it was not us, who initiated the new arms race,” said Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.