The White House said Thursday it recognizes Moscow's concerns over a US missile defense system in Europe but sees new Russian President Dmitry Medvedev as "open" to discussions about the plans.
"The United States and Russia are going to continue to work together on this issue," National Security Council spokeswoman Kate Starr told AFP.
"We understand they have concerns, but we are pleased to see that President Medvedev is open to our ongoing work and discussion."
Earlier Thursday Medvedev warned of "an adequate response" to the missile plans in Europe but said Moscow was still ready to negotiate with Washington.
"I don't think the situation is completely hopeless but those decisions that have been taken cannot please us and we will be forced to find an adequate response," Medvedev said in an interview with Chinese journalists posted on the Kremlin website.
But he said the Kremlin was "ready to continue negotiations on all tracks … with our European partners and American partners."
The United States has proposed to site a radar in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland as part of a shield to defend against states it considers a threat, such as Iran and North Korea.
The Czech government approved the main radar plan on Wednesday.
Moscow has said it distrusts US motives and that the proposed missile shield threatens Russian security, being located close to Russian borders.
It has proposed creating a joint missile shield with Europe and the United States.
