You're reading: NATO says its missile defense in Europe is not directed against Russia

Brussels - All the measures that NATO has taken and is considering are defensive and they are fully in line with NATO's international commitments, a representative of the NATO Brussels headquarters told Interfax.

“We don’t comment on alleged leaks,” he responded to a question about a report posted on the German magazine Der Spiegel website, which said the Baltic republics and Poland had suggested that NATO target its missile defense in Europe against Russia.

“NATO has taken immediate steps to reinforce collective defense in view of Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine,” the NATO official continued.

“NATO leaders will adopt a readiness action plan at the summit [to be held in Wales on Sept. 4-5] to make long-term adjustments to the new security situations. This could include updated defense plans, enhanced exercises and appropriate deployments,” he said.

The official recalled what NATO Heads of State and Government had decided on the issue of missile defense at the Chicago summit on May 20, 2012, “In this regard, we today reaffirm that the NATO missile defense in Europe will not undermine strategic stability. NATO missile defense is not directed against Russia and will not undermine Russia’s strategic deterrence capabilities. NATO missile defense is intended to defend against potential threats emanating from outside the Euro-Atlantic area.”