The Trump administration is determined not to agree to any restrictions on its missile defense programs in any strategic agreement it seeks to negotiate or update with Russia, two senior US officials told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 18th September, 2018) The Trump administration is determined not to agree to any restrictions on its missile defense programs in any strategic agreement it seeks to negotiate or update with Russia, two senior US officials told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.
"Yes, senator," Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson said when she was asked by a member of the Foreign Relations Committee if she would refuse to agree to limiting US missile defense programs in any negotiations with Russia.
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy David Trachtenberg immediately confirmed Thompson's expressed position.
"I would agree with that statement, senator," Trachtenberg told the Foreign Relations Committee.
Trachtenberg also confirmed that the Department of Defense did not have any weapons system capable of defending against the Russian strategic nuclear arsenal and continued to rely instead on its deterrence capabilities.
