Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: ANI/VNA)

Putin said that a complete rejection of the deal signed in April 2010 would be wrong and would negatively impact the goals of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. He said he believes this will help to create an atmosphere conducive to substantive strategic dialogue with the US.

“We believe this measure will only be viable if the United States acts in a similar manner,” Putin said.

Putin said Russia will be monitoring US defense activity, paying particular attention to plans to beef up missile defenses and deploy missile interceptors in space. He said Russia has trust in the reliability of its deterrence forces, does not seek to fuel an arms race, and gives priority to political and diplomatic measures to safeguard international peace. Russia is capable of responding to any existing or emerging threat, he said.