NATO rejects Putin's 'unacceptable' threats to target allies
By The Associated Press
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Russian President Vladimir Putin gives his annual state of the nation address in Manezh in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, March 1, 2018. Putin set a slew of ambitious economic goals, vowing to boost living standards, improve health care and education and build modern infrastructure in a state-of-the-nation address. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
A computer simulation shows the Avangard hypersonic vehicle being released from booster rockets. President Vladimir Putin declared Thursday that Russia has developed a range of new nuclear weapons, claiming they can't be intercepted. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
A computer simulation shows the flight of a prospective Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile en route to target. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
A computer simulation shows the Avangard hypersonic vehicle maneuvering to bypass missile defenses en route to target. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
A computer simulation shows the Avangard hypersonic vehicle maneuvering to bypass missile defenses en route to target. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
A computer simulation shows a Russian nuclear-powered underwater drone being released by a submarine. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
A computer simulation shows a Russian nuclear-powered underwater drone heading to target. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
Russia's new Sarmat intercontinental missile is shown at an undisclosed location in Russia. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
Russia's new Sarmat intercontinental missile blasts off during a test launch from an undisclosed location in Russia. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
This video grab shows the launch of what President Vladimir Putin said is Russia's new nuclear-powered intercontinental cruise missile. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
A Russian military truck has a laser weapon mounted on it. (RU-RTR Russian Television via AP)
BRUSSELS — NATO says Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat to target its members are unacceptable and that the military alliance will continue using its armed forces to deter aggression.
NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said Friday that “Russian statements threatening to target allies are unacceptable and counterproductive.”
Noting Russia’s “aggressive actions” in Ukraine and military buildup around Europe, she said: “NATO is pursuing a twin-track approach to Russia: strong deterrence and defense, combined with meaningful dialogue.”
The path to a larger Space Force budget isn’t clear — even as Trump, who oversaw the creation of the service, prepares to take office in the coming weeks.
