Moscow sounds warning over US missiles in Norway, says launch sites could be targeted
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the system installed in Norway uses Mk-41 launchers capable of firing different types of missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles. Because missiles launched from the system could reach a large part of European Russia, including the Russian capital, moscow said the deployment was particularly concerning.
In a statement, the foreign ministry said the deployment of US ground-based intermediate-range missiles in Europe undermined the possibility of meaningful discussions with Washington on strategic issues. “Steps such as the deployment in Europe of US ground-based intermediate range missiles that pose a threat to the Russian Federation ‘reset to zero’ – to put it mildly – the conditions for constructive dialogue with the US on strategic issues,” the ministry said. It said Moscow would pay “particular attention” to the sites where US missile systems are deployed, as well as their command-and-control centres. These locations would be considered targets if a military conflict were to break out, according to the ministry. US media reports said Washington had delivered the new missile launch system to Norway in August.
It said talks on strategic stability had been curtailed under the previous US administration. Moscow also rejected as “unrealistic” plans by the current administration to pursue broader negotiations on strategic issues that would include China. The Russian foreign ministry also criticised the state of strategic stability discussions between Moscow and Washington.