NATO's commander says reports of Russian missile deployment shows need for regular dialogue

BERLIN – NATO's supreme commander says reports that Russia may have deployed state-of-the-art missiles near the alliance's eastern borders show the need for more and better communications between Russian and NATO military leaders.

The Russian Defense Ministry gave an oblique response to a report in the German newspaper Bild's claim that Russia has sent the Iskander short-range missiles to its Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic. The ministry said the move wouldn't violate any treaties.

Nevertheless, U.S. Gen. Philip Breedlove told reporters in Berlin that such a move would be cause for concern and underscores the need for "regular, trusted relations and communications" with Russia's military.

Breedlove said NATO and Russian aircraft operate close to one another in the Baltic, the Mediterranean and elsewhere and "there can be no room for miscalculation."