Russia Will Be Able to Hit Nmd Elements, If They Are Deployed in Europe -Official

MOSCOW. Feb 19 (Interfax) – Russian Strategic Missile Forces will be able to hit elements of the U.S. National Missile Defense (NMD) if they are deployed in Poland and the Czech Republic.

“If the governments of Poland and the Czech Republic make the decision, the Strategic Missile Forces could put these facilities on the list of targets,” forces commander Nikolai Solovtsov told a Monday news conference at the Interfax central office.

Solovtsov said that consultations are under way and will continue so as “to create certain conditions for this not to happen [the deployment of NMD elements in those countries].”

“I would not want this to happen in Poland. If it is a question of the third deployment area in the amount of ten launchers, it is one thing. If measures are taken to deploy and increase the number of such areas in Poland and other states, the consequences will be very grave for both sides in case of hostilities,” Solovtsov said.

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