The deployment of the U.S. Patriot missiles in Poland does not enhance regional security and cooperation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
Following the U.S. - Polish Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the United States opened a temporary military base near the northern Polish town of Morag, 80 km (50 miles) from the Russian border. The base, which will become permanent from 2012, will deploy U.S. Patriot missiles and Standard Missile interceptor SM-3s.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it did not understand the logic behind the deployment of the missiles.
"We asked America and Poland about this, but did not get a concrete or valid answer," the ministry said.
Russia earlier suggested that the U.S. base be moved away from Russia's borders.
"Unfortunately, neither Americans nor Polish accepted our arguments," the ministry said.
The SOFA agreement was signed on December 11, 2009 in Warsaw by the U.S. deputy secretary of state for arms control and international security and the Polish deputy defense minister.
MOSCOW, May 26 (RIA Novosti)