Russia is criticizing the United States for testing a ground-based missile that was banned until three weeks ago. "The United States has taken the course of escalating military tensions," said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. He spoke to the Russian state-operated news agency TASS. Ryabkov added that Russia would not take part in a costly arms race. His comments came a day after the U.S. Department of Defense announced the test. It said the missile was launched Sunday at San Nicolas Island, in California. The missile accurately hit its target after more than 500 kilometers of flight, a statement said.