MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Tefft sterssed that NATO missile defense is not directed against Russia and will not "undermine Russia's strategic capabilities to deter threats."
"I am often asked if the United States or NATO plan to discuss missile defense plans with Russia. The United States and NATO have repeatedly offered Russia cooperation in the field of missile defense, including the creation of two Russia-NATO centers and plans on how to reach a transparency regime between the sides," Tefft said in an online Q&A session on Russian social media network VK.
"Russia rejected all proposals that could have contributed to the development of cooperation and transparency. It was the Russian side that terminated the partnership dialogue unilaterally in 2013," the ambassador added.
