Russia Says U.S. Seeking Nuclear Superiority

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United States of seeking nuclear superiority over Russia. In an interview published today, Lavrov dismissed U.S. claims that a proposed missile-defense system in Europe was aimed at Iran and North Korea.

Lavrov said the proposed location of the system -- in Poland and the Czech Republic -- was more suited to intercepting missiles launched from Russia.

Lavrov said Russia was not planning on launching any missiles, but he added that a missile-defense system would give the United States the chance to launch a first strike.

Lavrov also said the United States and Russia need to negotiate new arms-control agreements to strengthen mutual trust.

Also today, Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski called for a fast conclusion to negotiations with the United States on the instalation of missile-shield silos in Poland.

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