Russia threatens to respond to US 'by all means' after Baltic Sea move

(Baonghean.vn) - On April 20, Russia criticized the US for trying to exert pressure by sending a missile-equipped destroyer near Russia's border in the Baltic Sea last week.

Russian Permanent Ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushkos. Photo: AP.

Moscow also warned that its military would respond with all "necessary measures" if Washington continued to increase military moves.

Speaking after the first NATO-Russia Council meeting in nearly two years, Russia's Permanent Representative to NATO Alexander Grushko said the maritime incident on April 11 showed that there would be no progress in bilateral relations as long as NATO allies did not reduce military activities near Russia's borders.

Mr. Grushko stressed that Moscow will take all necessary precautions to respond to plots to use military force against Russia.

Russian fighter jets fly close to the USS Cook in the Baltic Sea on April 11. Photo: Getty Images.

For his part, US Permanent Representative to NATO Douglas Lute warned that Moscow's actions were extremely dangerous, when it sent fighter jets flying close to the US destroyer USS Cook.

Washington said the guided-missile destroyer USS Cook was on a routine mission near Poland and was threatened by Moscow's Su-24 fighter jets.

Close-up of Russian fighter jet. Photo: AFP.

Meanwhile, speaking after the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance and Russia acknowledged that there are still deep disagreements between the two sides, related to the Ukraine crisis, the future of European security and many other issues.

Lan Ha

(According to Reuters)