Russia to Deploy Missiles Only If U.S. Builds Shield

Russia will deploy Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad only if the U.S. goes ahead with plans to build a defensive shield in Europe, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said, signaling an easing of Russia's stance.

Placing missiles in Kaliningrad, a Russian region wedged between Poland and Lithuania, would be "a responsive measure" taken only if a U.S. anti-missile defense system is located "in the form of interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic," Grushko was cited as saying today by state-run television channel Vesti.

"Russia won't deploy Iskander if the U.S. decides against plans to locate the system in eastern Europe," Interfax news agency quoted Grushko as saying in a separate interview.

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