WASHINGTON - THE United States is expressing frustration at Russia's rejection of a US proposal for missile defence cooperation.

On Saturday, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said the US proposals 'fall short.' He indicated Russia would wait to negotiate with President-elect Barack Obama's administration.

US State Department spokesman Robert Wood said on Monday: 'It seems that every time we put forward a proposal, they reject it.'

American plans to install a radar spray in the Czech Republic and missile interceptors in Poland have contributed to a rapid decline in relations with Russia.

The Kremlin says the United States is trying to undermine Moscow's nuclear deterrent. The United States says its plans are aimed at countering a threat from Iran. -- AP