Putin Vows "Arms Race"!

Sierra Oscar

Did anyone else see this story on BBC? Some serious stuff!

Russia's President Vladimir Putin says the world is engaged in a new arms race and Nato is failing to accommodate Russia's concerns.

In a state council address, Mr Putin condemned Nato's expansion and the US plan to include Poland and the Czech Republic in a missile defence shield.

"It is already clear that a new phase in the arms race is unfolding in the world," Mr Putin said.

He said other countries were spending far more than Russia on new weapons.

But Russia would always respond to the challenges of a new arms race by developing more hi-tech weaponry, he said.

Military muscle

Referring to Nato's activities in Central and Eastern Europe, Mr Putin said "there are many discussions on these, but... we have still not seen any real steps towards finding a compromise".

"In effect, we are forced to retaliate, to take corresponding decisions. Russia has, and always will have, responses to these new challenges," he said.

In December, Russia said it was planning naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

It has also resumed long-range patrols by its bomber aircraft.

The practice was suspended after the collapse of the Soviet Union and was revived last August, as part of a more assertive foreign policy pursued by President Putin.

Higher oil prices have enabled Russia to reinvest in its armed forces, but its military capabilities remain far below what they were during the Soviet era, correspondents say.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7234817.stm

LostinBlanch

Well what did people expect?

Everyone knew that when the missile shield went into Poland and Czech Republic that Russia wasn't going to stand by.

Plenty of people on both sides (hawks, neo cons, die hard communists) hark back for the good old days of cold war with all the certainties it brought IMO.

The Saint

This was perfectly predictable given the proposed missile defence(?) system is to be placed on the borders of Russia. NATO has also moved eastwards towards Russia despite assurances given by the US that it would not. Also Russia sees Western interference in its traditional sphere of influence as a threat to its power. All this along with US military bases surrounding Russia and the US's ever increasing defence budget makes it pretty predictable that this would be the response from Russia. This is not welcome, however can you imagine the US response if it were in that position?

Sand

Also Russia sees Western interference in its traditional sphere of influence as a threat to its power. All this along with US military bases surrounding Russia and the US's ever increasing defence budget makes it pretty predictable that this would be the response from Russia.

Russia isnt allowed to have influence over Poland or the Czech Rep - they are sovereign democracies, members of NATO and EU. They dont need to accept dictates from Putin, and indeed their enthusiasm for NATO and EU membership is deeply rooted in the threat Russia presents - as demonstrated by Putins comments they still believe they can intefere in Polands affairs.

As for Russia not welcoming NATO expansion, thats a given - its a counter to the intimidation they could otherwise use against their former dependancies in the old Warsaw Pact. It also plays well domestically, restoring Russian pride in their armed forces and might.

However, neither Russia or NATO can seriously entertain thoughts of military conflict in the near future. Europe needs Russias oil, Russia needs Europes cash. And such is the defence capability and spending of practically all European states that NATO is running into difficulties deploying a few thousand troops in Afghanistan. I think the Russians can sleep easily.

Oh and regarding the US deployments around the world, whats your point? The US has been underpinning global and regional security ever since the British and other European empires collapsed leaving a host of failing and stillborn states and conflicts to resolve behind them.

Mr.Micro

Putin like any other leader of a large nuclear power, albeit a lesser one, is going to sabre rattle to let his people know he is the boss and as a warning to the US and Nato. Nothing has changed IMO and all parties can continue business as usual. Europe is dependent on gas and oil from Russia so Europe will not want to upset the status quo. As regards the US such rhetoric from Putin will only further justify its belief in further arms proliferation alas.

djpbarry

Sand wrote: »

The US has been underpinning global and regional security ever since the British and other European empires collapsed leaving a host of failing and stillborn states and conflicts to resolve behind them.

Yeah, and we're all eternally grateful :rolleyes:

The Saint

Sand wrote: »

Russia isnt allowed to have influence over Poland or the Czech Rep - they are sovereign democracies, members of NATO and EU. They dont need to accept dictates from Putin, and indeed their enthusiasm for NATO and EU membership is deeply rooted in the threat Russia presents - as demonstrated by Putins comments they still believe they can intefere in Polands affairs.

I think you've misinterpretted the intention of my post. I am not saying that Russia right in its perceptions or its actions. I'm just looking at it from their point of view. I'm not saying their right or wrong. Of course the old Warsaw pact countries should not be interferred with by any outside powers, especially Russia given its history. I'm stating that Ruassia rightly or wrongly still sees these countries as being in its natural sphere of influence and it does not welcome outside interference in it. It's like the US with its Monroe doctrine. The US still sees south and central America as being in its sphere of influence and would not like to see Russian or Chinese influence or military installations there.

Sand wrote: »

As for Russia not welcoming NATO expansion, thats a given - its a counter to the intimidation they could otherwise use against their former dependancies in the old Warsaw Pact. It also plays well domestically, restoring Russian pride in their armed forces and might.

I agree but they also see it as a threat to themselves and the predictable outcome is a more beligerent stance towards the West. I'm sure no country would like to have a traditional enemy military alliance spread to its borders so its reaction is quite predictable.

Sand wrote: »

However, neither Russia or NATO can seriously entertain thoughts of military conflict in the near future. Europe needs Russias oil, Russia needs Europes cash. And such is the defence capability and spending of practically all European states that NATO is running into difficulties deploying a few thousand troops in Afghanistan. I think the Russians can sleep easily.

I agree. There is very little likelihood of any conflict between NATO and Russia. Europe and Russia are too intertwined and any conflict would negatively inpact both parties.

Sand wrote: »

Oh and regarding the US deployments around the world, whats your point? The US has been underpinning global and regional security ever since the British and other European empires collapsed leaving a host of failing and stillborn states and conflicts to resolve behind them.

While this is off topic I think a lot of people would have differing opinions on the nature of US influence in the world. I think quite a strong arguement could be made that much of its behaviour around the world has led to increased instability but thats another thread. I was saying that the US military presence around the world and especially on its borders is seen by Russia as a threat. The same would be the case if Russia or China had military bases in Mexico or Canada.