Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that his country is working on weapons systems to get around any anti-missile shields.
NATO is working on implementing a US-led missile defence program. Putin told defence officials that by developing defenses against ballistic missiles Washington is trying to "neutralize" Russia's strategic nuclear deterrent and gain decisive military superiority.
"We have repeatedly said that Russia will take all necessary retaliatory steps to strengthen its strategic nuclear forces capabilities,” Putin said.
“We will also work on missile defence systems. But the first stage, as we've said many times before, is assault systems able to counter any anti-missile systems."