The United States is ready to deploy intermediate and shorter-range missiles in Europe to contain Russia.
This was stated by the Assistant to the President of the United States for National Security Robert O’Brien, reports The Nation.
Also, according to him, the United States is gradually approaching an agreement with Russia on the extension of the treaty on the reduction of strategic offensive arms.
“We have withdrawn from the treaty, we are creating hypersonic weapons, we are creating ballistic missile delivery systems that will help keep America safe … protect our allies and contain China. We will deploy similar missiles, if necessary, in Europe to contain Russia, “he said.
Recall that the Trump administration is unsuccessfully insisting that its adversary, China, join the treaty that limits the United States and Russia to 1,550 nuclear warheads and expires on February 5.
After weeks of negotiating the renewal of the New START Treaty Washington and Moscow found themselves stumped over the terms of the extension. New START was signed in April 2010 but entered into force in February 2011. It limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads, missiles, and bombers that Russia and the United States can deploy.
Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready to abandon the deployment of 9M729 missiles in Europe, provided that NATO takes similar steps.
In particular, he proposes to allow NATO inspections of military facilities in the Kaliningrad region, where 9M729 missiles are deployed, but in return wants Russian specialists to be allowed to bases with American MK-41 launchers of the Aegis Ashore complexes.