Putin: Western missile defense system is defensive only in name
MOSCOW. Dec 12 (Interfax) - The true goals of the missile defense system being built by Western countries do not correspond with its name, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"We are perfectly aware that missile defense systems are defensive only in name. In fact, this is a significant component of a strategic offensive potential," Putin said in an annual address to the Federal Assembly on Thursday.
The United States has long been declaring that the main purpose of the missile defense system being deployed in Europe is to intercept missiles that could be launched by Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said last week that the settlement of the problem of Iran's nuclear program should make the joint U.S.-NATO missile defense system in Europe irrelevant.