Russia did not believe that U.S. missile defense systems were needed in Europe, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak said on Tuesday.

"U.S. plans to deploy a global missile defense system do not meet understanding in Russia because they do not arise from the interests of global security," Kislyak told the Interfax news agency.

The United States is in talks with NATO members Poland and the Czech Republic over its plans to build missile defense sites in eastern Europe. The United States wants to deploy a missile defense radar in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland.

"The task of guaranteeing national security is the prerogative of any state. But this must be done without arousing the feeling of threat in neighboring states," Kislyak said.

Other Russian officials, including the military chief of staff, Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky, have also criticized the U.S. missile defense plans.

Kislyak's comments came a day after a top Russian military commander called the planned U.S. missile defense sites "a clear threat" to Russia.

"Our analysis shows that the deployment of a radar station in the Czech Republic and a counter-missile position in Poland are a clear threat to us," said Space Forces Commander Col. Gen. Vladimir Popovkin.

But the United States has said its plans to develop missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic are aimed at "irresponsible states" rather than Russia.

Source: Xinhua