Russia’s Vladimir Putin vows ‘reciprocal response’ to US cruise missile test
- US talk of deploying new missiles in the Asia-Pacific region affects our core interests, the president said
- The Pentagon said it had tested a cruise missile that hit its target after more than 500km of flight
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said this month he was in favour of placing ground-launched intermediate-range missiles in Asia relatively soon.
New arms race fears as China and Russia blast US over missile test
“We have never wanted, do not want and will not be drawn into a costly, economically destructive arms race. That said, in the light of unfolding circumstances, I’m ordering the Defence Ministry, the Foreign Ministry and other appropriate agencies to analyse the threat to our country posed by US actions, and to take exhaustive measures to prepare a reciprocal response,” he said.
He said Moscow was against placement of the launchers in Poland in Romania, but Washington denied they could be used to launch Tomahawks.
“Now the fact of the violation is clear, and it’s useless to deny it,” the president said. “The question is, how do we know what will be placed in Romania and Poland?”
Despite his order, Putin said Russia remained open to talks with the US aimed at restoring trust and strengthening international security.
The US has said it has no imminent plans to deploy new land-based missiles in Europe.