The United States is trying to reassure Russia that an American missile defense shield in central Europe will not undermine Russia's national security, but the Kremlin's reaction so far has been deeply skeptical. The United States says the rockets it plans to build will carry no warheads, and are intended only to intercept attacking missiles. Authorities in Russia say the U.S. plan could drag the world into a new arms race.

A top U.S. general says the United States is not trying to relaunch the Cold War with its plan to build a missile-defense shield in Europe.

The commander of U.S. strategic forces says the United States has significantly improved its missile defense and deterrent capability since North Korea's series of missile tests last July. General James Cartwright spoke at a House of Representatives committee hearing and VOA's Al Pessin reports.

Ukrainian deputies have adopted a declaration voicing concern over U.S. plans to place parts of a missile-defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today accused the United States of disrespecting its European allies as Washington seeks to build a missile-defense shield.