Russia needs “to develop offensive weapons systems” to counter US missile defences and maintain the strategic balance, PM Vladimir Putin says.

Otherwise, the United States would feel “completely protected” and able to “do whatever they want”.

The US this year dropped controversial plans for missile defence bases in the Czech Republic and Poland, but said it would develop other defensive systems.

Mr Putin said such plans were hindering nuclear arms reduction talks.

Russia and the US are yet to find a successor to the Cold War-era Start I treaty, which expired on 5 December.

The 1991 treaty led to deep cuts in nuclear arsenals on both sides.

Both sides have agreed to continue observing Start I until they reach a new agreement.

Under a joint understanding signed in July, deployed nuclear warheads should be cut to below 1,700 on each side within seven years of a new treaty – a huge cut on Soviet-era levels.

Nonetheless, between them the two countries will retain enough firepower to destroy the world several times over.

‘Correct and brave’

“To preserve the balance, we must develop offensive weapons systems, not missile defence systems as the US is doing,” Mr Putin said during a visit to Russia’s Far East.