Russia to Ukraine: Don't Join NATO, Or Else

...We may aim nuclear missiles at you

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 12, 2008 9:53 PM CST

(Newser) – If Ukraine joins NATO and hosts the US missile-defense program, Russia may aim nuclear missiles at its neighbor, Vladimir Putin said today in a press conference with Ukranian president Viktor Yushchenko. Russia’s president claimed that “it is horrible to say and even horrible to think” that such measures might be necessary, reports the Washington Post.

The country has issued similar warnings to the Czech Republic and Poland, countries that are also considering supporting the US program; Russians have argued that the program is really a US scheme to spy on and weaken their country. But, Yushchenko insisted, “anything Ukraine is doing in the western direction is on no account aimed against some third country, not to mention Russia.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yushchenko shake hands during their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. Putin said today that if Ukraine... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yushchenko seen during their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. Putin said today that if Ukraine joins... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yushchenko seen during their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. Putin said today that if Ukraine joins... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures speaking at a meeting with members of the Cabinet in the Kremlin in Moscow, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. Putin said today that if Ukraine joins NATO and hosts a US... (Associated Press)

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Russia to Ukraine: Don't Join NATO, Or Else

...We may aim nuclear missiles at you

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...We may aim nuclear missiles at you

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Russia • Vladimir Putin • missile defense system • Ukraine • Viktor Yushchenko

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Russia May Put Pressure on Ukraine Next

After dominating Georgia, Moscow could try to block NATO bid

Russian Kids Spend Summer Goose-stepping

Youth movement an avatar of Putin propaganda

Putin: We'll Use 'Strike Forces' Against Missile Shield

Russian PM even warns of 'new nuclear technologies'

Russia Silent on Iran Concessions

Critics charge that Obama may have scrapped missile shield for nothing

Putin Praises US for Ditching Missile Shield

But Moscow may not support nuclear sanctions against Iran

About Us

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Newser By Users

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