MOSCOW. Nov 7 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia's permanent envoy to the European Union expressed hope on Friday that the planned deployment of missile systems in western Russia in response to the planned stationing of U.S. missile defense elements in Eastern Europe would not have an adverse effect on Russia's relations with European countries.
"Serious colleagues realize that it is just a response. It's another story that, if it all materializes, the military and political situation in that part of Europe won't be any easier, of course. But that is not our choice," Vladimir Chizhov told Interfax.
Russia plans to deploy Iskander missile systems in its Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad.
However, "it would be premature to say that missiles in Poland and radar in the Czech Republic are a fait accompli," and, "consequently, our reaction is designated as just a possibility in case these [U.S.] plans are put into practice," Chizhov said.