MOSCOW, Feb 3 (KUNA) -- Russia said on Tuesday it would take appropriate military-technical measures in response to US deployment of missile defense systems and intermediate-range missiles in Greenland and Japan, warning these steps undermine international security and stability.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said dialogue with the United States on strategic stability has become impossible under what it described as Washington's hostile approach, stressing that any resumption would require a comprehensive revision of US policies.
According to TASS and RIA NOvisti news agencies, the ministry said the deployment of US missile defense systems in Greenland would inevitably be met with a Russian response, affirming Moscow's readiness to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security.
It added that the appearance of US intermediate-range missiles in Japan would also prompt countermeasures, warning such moves destabilize the Asia-Pacific region and exacerbate existing tensions.
In a related development, Russian security authorities announced the foiling of a sabotage plot targeting an energy infrastructure facility in the Moscow region, with the arrest of a foreign national allegedly acting on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence.
On the global strategic security system, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia and China agree that unilateral actions taken by the United States are the main cause behind its disintegration.
Ryabkov, was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti, that Moscow is prepared to operate in a new reality without arms control constraints following the expiry of the New START treaty, while noting that China's position on arms control is clear and fully respected by Russia.
He stressed that reviving strategic stability talks would require a tangible improvement in the US approach toward relations with Russia, adding that any future multilateral arms control negotiations must include France and Britain.
Addressing Iran, he said Washington sends signals suggesting willingness to reach an agreement, but what is presented in practice amounts to an ultimatum based on unbalanced conditions.
On Greenland, Ryabkov said developments surrounding the island are driven by US ambitions to expand strategic dominance, rejecting claims of a Russian or Chinese threat as unfounded and inconsistent with reality.
The statements come amid rising tensions between Russia and the West over strategic security issues and the collapse of several international arms control agreements in recent years, most notably the New START treaty, which had been a cornerstone of regulating nuclear arsenals between Moscow and Washington.
International debate over the militarization of new regions, including the Arctic and Greenland is intensifying and raising concerns about the widening scope of geopolitical conflict and its repercussions on global security and stability. (end) dan.aai