Putin: US missile defense aimed at neutralizing Russia nukes, N. Korea & Iran just a cover

“References to Iran and North Korea nuclear threats are just a cover for the true purpose [of NATO missile defense]. That is to neutralize the potential of other nuclear states not the US or its allies – primarily Russia,” Putin said during a meeting in Sochi dedicated to national military development. “The US is attempting to achieve strategic military superiority, with all the consequences that entails.”

In response, the Russian leader promised Russia would take the “necessary measures to respond by strengthening its own strategic forces.”

Putin said Russia’s concerns over missile defense had been “ignored.”

“We have pointed out that these actions [construction of the shield] are an attempt to undermine the nuclear parity principle, and to destabilize the existing world and regional order.”