First, they believe it threatens arms control agreements, particularly the 1972 antiballistic missile treaty.
Moscow contends such tests would violate the 1972 anti-ballistic missile treaty.
A negotiating team will then be sent back to Geneva for the detailed discussions on a medium-range missile treaty.
The medium-range missile treaty banned ground-launched nuclear arms with a range of 300 to 3,400 miles.
The President's speech tonight was designed to focus attention on the new missile treaty - and to rally support for the agreement among voters.
A12 News analysis: The missile treaty may not win speedy approval.
The missile treaty has another aspect with hopeful implications for the United States.
Negotiations on the missile treaty are weighed largely for their economic repercussions.
Ultimately this program was abandoned by the adoption of the anti-ballistic missile treaty.
President Reagan has gained in popularity, and rightly, as a result of the missile treaty.