MOSCOW, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Russia will adapt its own strategy if the United States puts anti-missile defenses into Eastern Europe, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
Putin spoke at his annual news conference for the Russian and foreign press, Novosti reported.
"We must think -- we are thinking -- of ways to ensure our national security," Putin said. "All our responses will be asymmetric, but highly effective."
The United States has proposed putting a radar system in the Czech Republic and has asked the Polish government about putting missile defense systems in Poland.
Putin said he is not convinced by U.S. arguments that it needs to put missile defense systems in Eastern Europe because of the threat from Iran and North Korea.
Putin answered questions about sanctions on Iran, energy disputes with some of Russia's neighbors and even his personal life. He promised to leave office when his second term ends next year, denying reports that he would like to amend the constitution.
