MOSCOW, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia would take retaliatory measures against the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in Central Europe, the Itar-Tass news agency reported on Monday.

    "In case of the deployment of anti-missile defense systems in Europe we warn that there will be retaliatory steps. We have to ensure our security. And this process was not initiated by us," Putin said in an interview published on Monday focusing on the Group of Eight (G8) summit scheduled for later this week in Germany.

    The United States plans to deploy missile interceptors in Poland and radar units in the Czech Republic as part of a project to extend the missile defense system in Europe. Russia has voiced strong opposition over the deployment.

    "We want to be heard, to make our position clear, and we don't rule out that our American partners can reconsider their decision," Putin said, warning that there will be "an obviously imminent new arms race in Europe" if the U.S. plans were implemented.

    Russia will target European facilities as retaliatory steps against the alleged first "elements of U.S. nuclear potential" appearing on the European continent, he said.