Putin: Tests of new missiles a response to US moves

Russian President Vladimir Putin today said that tests of new Russian missiles were a due response to the planned deployment of US missile defence installations and other forces in Europe.

In a clear reference to the United States, he harshly criticised “dictate and imperialism” in global affairs and warned that Russia will strengthen its military potential to maintain a global strategic balance.

“It wasn’t us who initiated a new round of arms race,” Putin said when asked about this week’s missile tests at a news conference after talks with Greek President Karolos Papoulias.

Putin described the tests of a new ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and a new cruise missile as part of the Russian response to the planned deployment of new US military bases and missile defense sites in ex-Soviet satellites in Central and Eastern Europe.

He assailed the United States and other Nato members for failing to ratify an amended version of the 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe treaty, which that limits the deployment of heavy non-nuclear weapons around the continent.