Russia's Lavrov: US idea to base radars in Ukraine "extravagant"

Russia's Lavrov: US idea to base radars in Ukraine "extravagant" Chisinau - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday described a recent US suggestion that portions of an European anti- missile radar system might be based in Ukraine "extravagant and rather unexpected."

Lavrov made the remarks carried by the Interfax news agency in response to a journalist's question during a meeting of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) state heads, in the Moldovan capital Chisinau.

Alexander Vershbow, US Assistant Secretary of Defence, was quoted in US media as saying Washington was considering Ukraine as a possible base for early warning radars in a new European missile defence system, to replace one scrapped by US President Barack Obama in September.

Ukrainian air defence radars in the Black Sea port city Sevastopol were under consideration by US defence planners as a potential piece of a European missile defence network, according to Ukrainian media reports.

Lavrov suggested Vershow's remarks on Ukraine do not reflect formal US policy, and said Moscow would wait for a "full clarification," on the issue.

Placement of any foreign troops on Ukrainian territory is banned by the Ukrainian constitution, though Russian naval and ground forces remain stationed in the Black Sea port Sevastopol per the terms of bilateral treaty.

The Sevastopol air defence radars were operated by Russia until February 2009, and are now under Ukraine army control, according to the Interfax report.

Kiev's stance between the Kremlin and the US is politically divisive in Ukraine, with pro-Russia politicians calling for the country to look eastward for security, and pro-Europe politicians saying Ukraine should join NATO as soon as possible. (dpa)