Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. (Photo: AFP)
(VOVworld) - Russia on Thursday warned the United States of possible consequences if it deploys land-based missiles in Europe saying the move a violation of the 1987 INF treaty on intermediate-range and short-range missiles.
The Russian Foreign Ministry quoted Washington's plans to deploy systems in Poland and Romania capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, saying that it directly violated the INF treaty.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it was clear that such actions would mean complete destruction by the American side of the spirit of the treaty with all its attendant consequences.
Moscow urged Washington to ensure the full implementation of the INF, and not to threaten the feasibility of the treaty.
Last week, Washington was considering bolstering missile defense systems or deploying land-based missiles in Europe, with the apparent intention of threatening Russia in the context of restrained relations between Russia and the West, Russia said.