Putin: US missile defense shield in Romania is a threat to Russia

Listing Russia’s arsenal, Mr. Putin warned Washington of retaliation

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States and NATO to stop setting missile systems near the Russian territory noting that Moscow feels threatened and is ready to take actions.

During the joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsirpas, in the framework of Putin’s two-day visit, Mr. Putin was asked on US missile defense shield.

” US missile defense shield in Romania affects us negatively, because the US unilaterally withdrew from the agreement on missile defense systems” Mr. Putin answered adding that: “We have been saying the same things over and over since early 2000s. Nobody wants to negotiate with us, what we hear is that these plans are not against Russia and they keep telling us that (plans for missile defense shield) concern Iran’s nuclear program. ”

“Now there is no Iranian nuclear threat, but the missile defense facilities in Romania are still there!” Mr. Putin stressed.

“What is this? It is a radar and a missile defense system with a range of 1000 Km!”

“This is a threat to us and, therefore, we are forced to take actions” the Russian leader said.

“Now we will take actions which will ensure our security. I reiterate that these are responsive measures. We won’t do anything, unless we see the missiles set in Poland, “said Vladimir Putin.

Listing Russia’s arsenal, Mr. Putin warned Washington of retaliation, if they set a missile defense shield in Poland and said that the whole world witnessed our abilities in Syria.

“The only solution is all sides to sit down and negotiate” Mr. Putin concluded.