US shield will force Russia to target missiles at Europe: Putin

In the interview, Putin was asked whether the US move to build a missile defence shield in Eastern Europe would compel Moscow to direct missiles at locations and US military sites in Europe, as during the Cold War.

8220;Naturally, yes,8221; Putin said, according to Corriere. 8220;If the American nuclear potential grows in European territory, we have to give ourselves new targets in Europe. It is up to our military to define these targets, in addition to defining the choice between ballistic and cruise missiles. But this is just a technical aspect,8221; Putin was quoted as saying.

It was unclear what Putin was referring to when talking about new targets in Europe. Russia has not overtly targeted Europe since signing a series of agreements with the US and European nations in the 1990s .

The US made a formal request in January to place a radar base in south-west of Prague, Czech Republic, and 10 interceptor missiles in neighbouring Poland as part a missile defence shield.