Green light for American missile plans in Europe

NATO member states have backed U.S. plans to build a missile defence system in Europe despite Russia's strong opposition. The alliance has agreed with plans to position bases in the Czech Republic and Poland.

Member states have confirmed the system is not intended to be used against Russia.

They say they're ready to study Russia's plans to integrate Russian and American missile defence capabilities at some point in the future.

NATO also wants its own parallel operation to defend any countries not covered by the U.S. scheme.

Meanwhile, President Putin has arrived in Bucharest to attend the Russia-NATO summit on Friday and discuss, among other things, the anti-missile defence shield.