Russia on Wednesday warned that Washington`s deployment of a US missile defence system to South Korea could spark an arms race in the region.
South Korean and US defence officials said last week they would begin formal talks on the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD) system in response to North Korea`s recent nuclear and missile tests.
"The appearance of elements of the US global missile defence system in the region -- which is characterised by a very difficult security situation -- can provoke an arms race in Northeast Asia and complicate the resolution of the nuclear problem on the Korean peninsula," said the Russian foreign ministry.
"On a more global scale, this step can increase the destructive influence of the US global missile defence system on international security and stability."
The foreign ministry reiterated that Pyongyang`s nuclear and missile tests "could not but inspire strong condemnation" but accused Washington of using them to expand its missile defence system.