A State Duma deputy has said that Russia is capable of repelling a U.S. attack, hours after the Pentagon said it could annihilate Russia with the help of submarines.
General John E. Hyten, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, said at a budget hearing on Friday that Russia was unaware of the location of submarines that were “capable of destroying the country [Russia] should we choose to go down that path.” Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin presented a video animation that appeared to show a missile attack on the U.S. Gulf Coast, while showcasing Russia’s new nuclear missile capabilities.
Russian lawmakers weighed in on the escalating war of words on Friday and accused the U.S. of using aggressive rhetoric while suggesting Russia’s military doctrine was defensive in nature.
“We do not plan on attacking anyone, but we will also repel the aggression of any enemies” Yuri Shvytkin, the deputy head of the State Duma’s defense committee, was cited as saying by the Federal News Agency.
“When it comes to the submarines that we allegedly can’t detect, I’d like to point out that the American general is engaging in wishful thinking,” Shvytkin said.
“We have the necessary capabilities to repel a possible naval attack, including from underwater. We have something with which to respond to that.”
The Duma deputy went on to say that Putin’s presentation on nuclear arms showed that Russia “wants peace.”
“Instead of saber-rattling, the U.S. must understand this and sit down for negotiations,” Shvytkin said.
“But we will not allow anyone to speak to us from a position of strength,” he added.
Earlier on Friday, a group of U.S. Senators urged Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to engage in a dialogue with Russia on strategic arms to reduce the likelihood of conflict.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
