Kremlin: It belongs to Russia where its missiles are located

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Russia has the right to make a decision about where it places military resources on its territory.

These statements have come after reports that Russia has deployed the <x0 ...Scanand” missiles in Kaliningrad.

A day earlier, Lithuanian President Dalia Grubuskaite announced that “while we're talking, the short-range missiles Iskander are being deployed for permanent presence at Kaliningrad”.

According to him, this missile deployment poses a threat not only to Lithuania, but “for half of the European states”.

Russian Defence Committee leader Vladimir Shanovo has confirmed the deployment of missiles to the site on 5 February.

Peskov has said today that, “the deployment of one weapon or another, the deployment of our military units on Russian territory is exclusively an issue of the Russian Federation”.

Earlier the Pentagon has rejected the deployment of medium-range weapons within Russian territory, citing this step as a violation of “the soul and purpose of the” arms control agreement, known as the Treaty for Middle Line Nuclear Forces.

US Army officials have said they believe Russia has made such steps in the past as well in order to pose a threat to states and areas where NATO is responsible.

The 1987 treaty covers short- and medium-range missiles action.

Deputy Secretary-General of NATO, Rose Gottemieder, has said that if deciding on Kaliningrad is true, “then it is serious matter”.

The “Scanand” missiles have the capacity to equipped with nuclear warheads. (REL)