Moscow: Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Monday said the deployment of US missile systems in Norway was another 'highly destabilizing' move by NATO and accused the alliance of seeking to expand its capability to launch missile strikes deep into Russian territory.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zakharova stated that the placement of US systems capable of launching intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe represents another step in what she described as NATO's series of destabilizing actions. The spokeswoman emphasized that NATO aims to establish control over key maritime routes, with the US systems in Norway utilizing Mk-41 launch cells capable of targeting both land and sea targets.
Zakharova highlighted that these systems could potentially launch long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, thereby putting a significant portion of European Russia, including Moscow, within striking distance. She expressed concern that these systems could be used in aggressive actions by NATO countries against Russia to address strategic issues.
Furthermore, Zakharova warned that the US missile systems, along with their command and support infrastructure in Norway, would become a focal point for Russia's strategic deterrence forces. This includes planning for potential use of strike capabilities in the event of an armed conflict.
Regarding strategic stability talks with the US, Zakharova noted that the dialogue had not stalled but was 'unilaterally interrupted' by the administration of former President Joe Biden. She criticized the current US administration's push for multilateral negotiations involving China, pointing out that Beijing had consistently expressed strong reasons not to participate at this stage.
Zakharova concluded by stating that the conditions for substantive and productive strategic stability talks between Moscow and Washington have not been established. She warned that the deployment of US ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missile systems in Europe, which pose a threat to Russia, would negate any prerequisites for constructive talks with the US on strategic issues.