Secretary of State John Kerry is denying that the Obama administration has rolled back US missile defense programs in Europe because of Russian objections.
In a joint appearance with Poland's foreign minister Radek Sikorski today, Kerry was asked about the administration's decision this year to cancel a key part of its plans in Europe. The issue has been sensitive in Poland, which is hosting parts of the European missile shield.
Kerry said that the decision had nothing to do with Russia. He said: "The United States of America has made zero zero concessions to Russia with respect to missile defense."
He said that the administration had not discussed the issue with Russia prior to its decision and that the other parts of the shield would be deployed.
