Putin urged to pursue ‘constructive’ relationship
Vladimir Putin must decide if he wants a constructive relationship with Europe, Downing Street said today, after the Russian president threatened to target nuclear missiles at Europe.
Mr Putin made the comments to a select group of journalists after reports the US plans to site a missile defence system in eastern Europe.
He said: “If a part of the strategic nuclear potential of the US appears in Europe and, in the opinion of our military specialists will threaten us, then we will have to take appropriate steps in response. What kind of steps? We will have to have new targets in Europe.”
But Downing Street later attempted to allay his concerns, insisting the missile defence system is not aimed at Russia but rather a small group of rogue states with nuclear weapons.
The prime minister’s official spokesman (PMOS) said there were “concerns” in Europe about Mr Putin’s comments on nuclear missiles, which threaten to further strain relations between Russia and the west.
“We want a constructive relationship,” the PMOS said. “Whether there is a constructive relationship is as much up to Russia as it is to us.”
He continued: “We want to be able to talk to them about issues such as Kosovo, Iran and other global issues in a constructive way.
“Equally, Europe as a whole does have concerns and will not be shy in expressing those concerns.”
Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell described Mr Putin’s comments as deeply worrying and reminiscent of Cold War rhetoric.
He said: “We must avoid a return to the fear and tension of the Cold War.
“There must be a consistent and constructive approach towards Russia, ensuring that it is part of solutions in areas of mutual interest such as the Middle East and global warming.”
The PMOS also attempted to downplay potential tensions over Putin’s refusal to extradite Andrei Lugovoy to face charges for the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. Mr Putin reportedly said the request was “pure foolishness”.
