U.S. Missile-Defense Plans Hinder Nuclear Arms Deal - Russian FM Lavrov

U.S. President Barack Obama meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) in Washington
on May 7. Photo from Radio Free Europe

From RIA Novosti:

VIENNA, June 23 (RIA Novosti) - The deployment of a planned U.S. missile defense system in Europe would greatly impede progress on strategic arms reductions, the Russian foreign minister said on Tuesday.

Sergei Lavrov said there was an obvious link between strategic arms reductions and any missile defense system in Central Europe, adding that "this link is also acknowledged by Washington."

He said a new arms reduction treaty between Russia and the United States required a joint search for "points of convergence."

"This position is shared by the presidents of our two countries," Lavrov said.

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My Comment: This is the deal breaker in any discussions with Russia. U.S. and European concerns on Iran's nuclear and missile program does not hold any sway with Russia. As far as they are concern, 10 missile interceptors are a strategic threat against their entire missile program (yeah right) .... and are (publicly) accordingly acting in response to this deployment.

Privately, the real issue is geopolitics. The idea that Eastern European countries are now inviting (openly) U.S. military personnel and equipment into their countries is unacceptable and insulting to Moscow. The fact that the Ukraine has also indicated a willingness to join NATO has only elevated all of these concerns to the highest level.

Will the U.S. budge to accommodate Russia .... this we will have to see.