During his annual Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly in Russia on December 12, 2013, President Putin talked about regional and national security and defense related matters important to Russia.
Here is what Putin had to say:
“Colleagues,
A few words about our actions to further strengthen our Armed Forces.
I just mentioned the issue of missile defense, and here’s what I would like to say in this regard. We are all perfectly aware that the missile defense system is defensive in name only. In fact, it is a crucial component of strategic offensive capabilities. The development of new weapons systems, such as low-yield nuclear weapons, strategic non-nuclear missiles and hypersonic high-precision non-nuclear systems for prompt, long-range strikes are also causes for concern.
We are closely following the development of the so-called Prompt Global Strike system, which is being actively developed by some countries. Implementing all of these plans could have extremely negative consequences for regional and global stability.
The ramping up of high-precision strategic non-nuclear systems by other countries, in combination with the build-up of missile defense capabilities, could negate all previous agreements on the limitation and reduction of strategic nuclear weapons, and disrupt the strategic balance of power.
We understand this very well, and in this context we know exactly what we need to do. No one should entertain any illusions about achieving military superiority over Russia; we will never allow it. Russia will respond to all these challenges, both political and technological. We have all we need in order to do so.
Our military doctrine and advanced weapons, weapons that are being and will be deployed, will unconditionally allow us to ensure the security of the Russian state”, said Putin (source: Kremlin Press Release http://eng.kremlin.ru/transcripts/6402).
See related information: US led militarization of the European Union http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2010/09/459856.html
See article: US Missile shield plan in Japan stroking China’s fears http://betterphils.blogspot.com/2012/08/us-missile-shield-plan-in-japan.html
See article: US Defense Shield Europe Aegis Umbrella http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120502/DEFREG01/305020003/U-S-Officials-Try-Assuage-Russia-Over-Missile-Shield-Plans
See article: Romania to Host US Defense shield targeting Russia http://electionsmeter.com/polls/us-missile-defence-shield-in-eu
See article: US missile shield to counter threat from Noreth Korea http://www.northjersey.com/news/Defense_secretary_Hagel_warns_of_deep_new_spending_cuts.html
See article: US missile defense shield going to Guam http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/03/us-missile-defense-shield-going-to-guam-to-help-counter-threat-possible-north/