Moscow Questions Reasons for US THAAD Deployment to Romania

LESNYE DALI, Moscow Region (Sputnik) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Saturday that Moscow is closely monitoring deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system in Romania by the United States and has questions regarding the purpose of this move.
Sputnik

"We are watching this closely. There is a Russian saying that nothing is longer than temporary. There are questions on what the THAAD system is being deployed for and what does a modernisation of facilities in Romania mean", Grushko told reporters.

Grushko added that Moscow negatively viewed increased NATO activity in the Black Sea region, which hindered the stability in this region.

The deputy foreign minister noted that Moscow was convinced that the security on the Black Sea should be ensured primarily through the cooperation of the countries of the region.

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READ MORE: US to Deploy THAAD Interceptors in Romania Despite Moscow's Opposition

The statement comes after US European Command said in a press release on 11 April that the United States would deploy THAAD in Romania this summer in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Moscow, in turn, has repeatedly voiced concern over NATO's buildup along its borders and in Europe.

THAAD is an anti-ballistic missile defence system that intercepts ballistic missiles during their late mid-course or final stage flight both inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere.

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