Russia warns Denmark against joining NATO missile system
Russia has warned Denmark against joining NATO’s missile defense system, saying Moscow considers the move as a threat.
In an op-ed piece published in Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten, the Russian ambassador to Copenhagen warned the Scandinavian country’s officials of the consequences of joining the system, the DPA reported on Saturday.
"I don't think that the Danes are fully aware of the consequences if Denmark joins the US-led missile defense system," said Mikhail Vanin, adding that if such a plan is implemented, "Denmark would become part of the threat against Russia, it would be less peaceful and relations with Russia will be harmed."
The Russian diplomat also stated that the plan would render Danish naval vessels “targets for Russian nuclear missiles.”
Copenhagen’s reaction
In response, the Danish foreign minister denounced Vanin’s remarks as “unacceptable,” adding that NATO’s missile system is intended for defensive purposes and poses no threat to Russia’s security.
"We disagree on many points with Russia, but it is important that the tone does not escalate," Martin Lidegaard noted.
The chairman of the Danish parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee also slammed Vanin’s stance as interference in Denmark’s defense strategy.
"The missile shield is against rogue states and individuals that could threaten us if they acquire advanced weapons," Mette Gjerskov said, adding, "It has nothing to do with Russia."
In August 2014, Denmark said it plans to join NATO’s missile shield.
Frayed NATO-Moscow ties
NATO-Moscow relations have been extremely tense in recent months. NATO and Kiev accuse the Kremlin of supporting pro-Russia forces in east Ukraine. Russia categorically denies the allegations, saying NATO is responsible for the flare-up in Ukraine.
The two mainly Russian-speaking regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine have been the scene of deadly clashes between pro-Russia protesters and the Ukrainian army since Kiev’s military operation started in April 2014 in a bid to crush the protests.
Violence intensified in May 2014 after the two flashpoint regions held local referendums in which their residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from Ukraine.
FNR/HMV/SS
Russia: New US aid for Ukraine will fail to change military situation
Tens of thousands displaced as floods engulf Kazakhstan, Russia
Russia: UN meeting on Iran retaliation ‘display of hypocrisy’
VIDEO | Iranians hold nationwide demos in support of IRGC
Syria condemns US veto of Palestine UN membership resolution
Iraqi resistance forces hit Israeli Ovda air base
Hackers break into Israeli military’s computers, access trove of documents
Tulkarm Brigade commander killed by Israeli forces in raid on refugee camp
Zionist media desperately trying to turn Israeli defeat into victory: Iran
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Iran censures US veto of Palestinian request for full UN membership
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
