"These missiles are close to our borders and constitute a threat to us," Medvedev told Al-Jazeera television late Tuesday. "This will create additional tension and we will have to respond to it in some way, naturally using military means."
Medvedev had spoken before of a possible military response, but Tuesday's remarks were the first on these lines since U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed an agreement in Poland last week on deployment of 10 U.S. interceptor rockets there.
Washington says the shield, also involving a radar station in the Czech Republic, is intended to protect against launches by "rogue states" like Iran.
Russia rejects U.S. arguments for the shield and presents it as a move threatening its nuclear defenses.
Russian military and political leaders have never specified what military steps they might take.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.