A NATO Military Base In Russia?

Russia proposed the creation of an air-and-land transfer center in Ulyanovsk for NATO troops. Now American military officers will go through Russia more frequently. Previously, they paid annual visits to Russia only for the MAKS International Air-shows (pictured). Source: ITAR-TASS

Putin Wants NATO Military Base In Russia? -- Examiner

In a surprise to many who remember the Cold War years, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his government is interested in having the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) build and staff a base in Russia, according to a Wednesday statement.

The proposed location will act as a NATO warehousing and distribution facility on Russian territory, because such a hub would benefit his country, said the former Soviet KGB official.

The base would be built in the central city of Ulyanovsk, which would aid NATO in the delivery of equipment and other consignments to and from Afghanistan.

Read more ....

Update #1: Putin supports NATO base deployment in Russia -- Xinhuanet
Update #2: Putin Wants a NATO Base in Russia? -- Jim Kouri, The Moral Liberal
Update #3: Russia allows transit of NATO supplies via Ulyanovs -- Russia Beyond The Headlines

My Comment: This is typical Putin. Hard nose on some issues .... surprisingly accommodating and eager to cooperate on others. As to what is my take on this story ... this is shockingly big news that is playing big in Russia .... but as a news story it is non-existent in the West. If I could think of an equivalent .... think of President Obama deciding on his own to permit the establishment of an active Russian military base outside of Dallas over the objections of 90% - 100% of the population .... but this is exactly what Putin has done in Russia. I know that Putin is looking at the big picture, and he is concerned on what is happening in Afghanistan .... especially after NATO withdraws. But this outreach to NATO is a surprise, and one that we should firmly grab.