SURGUT, March 23 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will respond to the deployment of a U.S. missile-defense base in Europe after it learns about the capabilities of the new military facility, the defense minister said Thursday.

"This issue has been widely discussed for years, including in closed-door talks between Russia and the United States," said Sergei Ivanov, who is also a deputy prime minister, adding that it was important for Russia to determine the capabilities of the base and the number of missiles deployed there rather than its location.

"Only after we determine that, we will formulate our response," Ivanov said.

The U.S. administration recently announced plans to set up a base in Europe as part of its plans to deploy a global missile shield and said it would determine the country this spring.