Russia has anti-shield plans, leader says

MOSCOW, July 10 (UPI) -- Russia can defend its national security against potential threats posed by the planned U.S. defense missile shield in Europe, a Russian minister said Thursday

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak said, "You can rest assured that our security will be provided under any circumstances," reported RIA Novosti, the Russian news agency.

Russia opposes the possible deployment of 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic, saying the shield threatens the country's national security. The United States said the defense shield is needed to help deter strikes by rogue countries.

Kisyak wouldn't reveal what options Russia would use, saying, "Military specialists always have many options."

Russia earlier said it would retaliate against the plan, even warning it could point nuclear missiles at countries accepting U.S. missile defense components, RIA Novosti said. Some analysts suggested Russia could impose trade restrictions on those countries and suspend military cooperation with NATO.

However, Kislyak said talks with the United States about the missile shield would continue, RIA Novosti reported.

"Our dialogue with the United States is sufficiently strong on a broad range of strategic issues -- strategic, offensive and defensive," he said. "I am sure that this dialogue will continue."