Putin's Lunacy: Vows To Counter U.S. "Imperialism"
Russia is at it again. More crying about the missile defense shield.
President Vladimir Putin issued an acerbic warning Thursday to the United States, saying the recent test of a new Russian missile was a direct response to US actions and condemning "imperialism" in world affairs.
"Our American partners have quit the ABM Treaty," Putin told reporters after meeting his Greek counterpart, referring to the landmark 1972 US-Soviet treaty limiting the missile defenses of the Cold War superpower foes.
"We warned them then that we would come out with a response to maintain the strategic balance in the world. Yesterday we conducted a test of a new strategic ballistic missile with multiple warheads, and of a new cruise missile, and will continue to improve our resources."
This is all a result of Russia becoming insignificant to European affairs. Those Eastern European countries that, in the past, were under the influence of the former Soviet Union, no longer feel the need to for any assistance from Russia.
The fact they are looking to the United States for defense needs instead of Russia is what this is about. Russia's feelings got hurt, kind of like questioning their manhood. So they feel the need to build bigger, better missiles to counter the missile defense shield.
MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that tests of new Russian missiles were a response to the planned deployment of U.S. missile defense installations and other forces in Europe, suggesting Washington has triggered a new arms race.
In a clear reference to the United States, he harshly criticized "imperialism" in global affairs and warned that Russia will strengthen its military potential to maintain a global strategic balance.
"It wasn't us who initiated a new round of arms race," Putin said when asked about Russia's missile tests this week at a news conference after talks in the Kremlin with Greek President Karolos Papoulias.
Putin described the tests of a new ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and a new cruise missile as part of the Russian response to the planned deployment of new U.S. military bases and missile defense sites in ex-Soviet satellites in Central and Eastern Europe.
Missile defense shield. It shoots down missiles. Am I the only one that things it's ridiculous that Russia is all worked up over that? Unless Russia decides to start launching missiles against European countries, it will not have any effect on them.
The United States has already said this missile defense shield will not be effective against Russian missiles. So it appears this is less about a threat from the United States and more about Russia wanting to dominate Europe again.