Russia to acquire missile defence

‘‘Work on creating the national missile defence system has been going for many years. At some point, we might switch over to practical efforts to build new national missile defence system,’’ Putin said at a press conference at Plesetsk following strategic military exercises in the Barents Sea.

‘‘We will see how the work proceed in other countries, but will not suspend our efforts,’’ he added.

‘‘Russia is going to ensure its security, and we will achieve this goal in an optimal and effective way in military and economic terms,’’ Putin said. ‘‘Russia is responsible for nuclear security along with its partners on the nuclear club.’’

Meanwhile, Russian Parliament’s Lower House, Duma on Wednesday rejected a Bill for the extension of the term of office of the country’s President from the current four to seven years by an overwhelming majority. Putin had earlier rejected the idea of extending the term saying that amendment tabled for the sake of stability, would lead to instability instead.