Russia building new missile

MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Russia is building a new missile to respond to the U.S. missile defense system in Europe, the country's strategic missile troop commander said.

Strategic missile builders of the Russian Federation intend to create a new type of missile similar to the existing RS-20 Voevoda missile, Col.-Gen. Nikolai Solovtsov told Interfax.

Solovtsov said Russia would cut back its program if the United States abandons its missile defense plan, Pravda reported.

The United States said the defense system is to deter attacks from rogue nations while Russia said its national security is threatened.

"We are not going to frighten anyone as we realize the plans to develop the strategic missile troops," Solovtsov said. "We simply follow the reality of today."