Russian president Vladimir Putin has raised tensions over controversial US plans to install a missile defence shield in Poland and the Czech Republic by threatening to target Russian missiles at Europe.

Speaking to reporters ahead of this week’s G-8 meetings, Mr Putin said Russia would have to respond to the threat of US missiles in Europe. The US says the missile shield – which would involve installing 10 missile interceptors in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic – is aimed at protecting the US and Europe and Iranian missiles.