MOSCOW, November 5 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow is surprised at media reports that Poland is seeking to host U.S. troops to protect it from Russia, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.

Earlier on Thursday, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski was reported to have urged the United States and NATO to deploy troops in Central Europe. His comments came after media reports claimed Russia and Belarus had simulated nuclear strikes on Poland during massive war games in September.

"I know Radoslaw Sikorski," Lavrov said. "He has always given the impression of being a man who has experience and an understanding of the processes going on in Europe."

"If he did say that, I am astonished, as we have discussed in detail European security problems that need to be tackled," he said, referring to Russia's position on U.S. missile defense plans for Europe and a new European security treaty.

President Barack Obama recently scrapped plans for Poland and the Czech Republic to host missile shield elements to counter possible strikes from Iran. The plans were fiercely opposed by Moscow as a security threat.

Poland said it was willing to take part in a reviewed missile defense program, under which the U.S. would deploy sea-based interceptors first and then land-based defenses.