New Russian Missile 'can Break Any Missile Shield'

Russia today tested a new missile that it claimed could penetrate any missile shield, in an apparent response to US plans for an anti-missile defense system in eastern Europe.

The test-firing of the intercontinental ballistic missile came just days after the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, denounced the Bush administration for deploying a missile shield in what Russia considers its own backyard, Poland and the Czech Republic.

The Itar-Tass news agency quoted first deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov as saying, "As of today, Russia has new (missiles) that are capable of overcoming any existing or future missile defense systems. So in terms of defense and security Russians can look calmly to the country's future."

Mr Ivanov spoke after Russia's Strategic Missile Forces command announced the test of a new missile capable of carrying multiple independent warheads. Mr Ivanov, who is viewed as a potential successor to Mr Putin, said Russia had also successfully tested a tactical cruise missile.

Mr Putin and Mr Ivanov have repeatedly said Russia would continue to improve its nuclear weapons systems in response to a US missile defense system in Europe.

Relations between Russia and the west are at their frostiest for 20 years.

Besides tension over the missile shield, Russia and Britain are at loggerheads over Britain's extradition request for an ex-KGB officer, Andrei Lugovoy, a suspect in the London murder of Alexander Litvinenko, a former KGB agent and fierce critic of Mr Putin.