Frequently Asked Questions On Missile Defense

Cooperation with Russia

Q:  Is European Missile Defense a threat to Russia?
A:  U.S. missile defense plans are neither directed at nor a threat to Russia.  Due to the location and capabilities of the European missile defense assets, the proposed system would have no capability against Russia’s long range Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) arsenal.

The U.S. is willing to explore cooperation with Russia across the full spectrum of missile defense activities.  USG officials have discussed U.S. missile defense plans and offered to cooperate jointly since 2001.  These discussions have been transparent and conducted at all levels, including between the two Presidents, as well as at the NATO-Russia Council (NRC).

The United States welcomes President Putin’s offers – made in June at the G-8 Summit in Heiligendamm and in July during bilateral meetings in Maine – for cooperation on missile defense systems.  U.S. and Russian experts are discussing the Russian proposals.  However, the U.S. government does not view the proposed Russian missile defense elements as an effective substitute for the system being negotiated with the Czech Republic and Poland.

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