Ukraine could ask for missile defences amid Russia threat
He told Ukrinform, a Ukrainian news agency, that one possible response would be for Ukraine to ask for a missile defence shield. “I do not rule out that, for protection against the nuclear danger, we will have to consult on placing missile defence components in Ukraine,” he said.
Delivering the Kremlin’s response, Mr Peskov said: “If this means that Ukraine plans to deploy elements of US missile defence systems on its territory, then, obviously, this could be understood as being completely negative because it would pose a threat to the Russian Federation.”
Mr Peskov added: “If US missile defence systems are deployed in Ukraine, that would require Russia to take responsive measures to provide for its own security.”
Separatist rebels, backed by Russian troops, now control a large area of Ukraine’s eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The opposing sides are observing a shaky ceasefire in accordance with the Minsk agreements, but each has accused the other of planning a new offensive. Last month, America disclosed a new build-up of Russian forces near Ukraine’s eastern frontier.
President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine told the BBC that his country was in a “real war” against Russia and that he did not trust President Vladimir Putin. However, Mr Poroshenko said there was “no alternative” to a negotiated settlement.