Russian President Putin: 'US Anti-Missile Defence Is A Huge Danger To Russia'

FOX News: Putin warns Romania, Poland over implementing US missile shield

Romania and Poland are in the potential crosshairs of Russian rockets because they are hosting parts of the U.S. missile defense shield that Moscow considers a threat to its national security, President Vladimir Putin warned Friday.

Putin warned the European nations that Moscow has repeatedly said it would have to retaliate if the missile defense shield was put into place, but U.S. allies have ignored Russia’s warnings.

Earlier this month, the U.S. program was declared operational at a site in Romania, drawing an angry reaction from Russia. NATO said the system is purely defensive and a response to a growing capability of ballistic missiles globally.

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More News On Russian President Putin's Remarks On US Anti-Missile Defence In Europe

Putin: Romania ‘in crosshairs’ after opening NATO missile defense base -- RT
Putin says Romania, Poland may now be in Russia's cross-hairs -- Reuters
Putin vows retaliation over U.S. missile defense system -- AP
Putin warns Poland and Romania could be caught in the 'crosshairs' of Russian rockets for hosting a US defence shield that he considers a threat to national security -- Daily Mail
Putin says Romania, Poland may be targeted over new U.S.-led NATO missile bases -- UPI
Putin Warns of Retaliation against US Missile Shield in Europe -- VOA
Putin Vows Russian Retaliation Over U.S. Missile Shield -- RFE
Romania ‘Surprised’ by Putin’s Remarks on US Missile Defense System -- Sputnik

US And Polish Leaders Break Ground For A New Missile Defense Site

U.S. Department of Defense: Work Joins Groundbreaking for Ballistic Missile Defense Site in Poland

At a groundbreaking ceremony here for an Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense site today, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work emphasized the system is for the protection of NATO members and not directed at Russia.

As American and Polish flags fluttered in the breeze, Work and dignitaries including Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment Patrick Auroy tossed shovelfuls of dirt to signify the start of the construction phase.

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WNU Editor: The locals are not happy ..... but even then the protests were small .... Not That Welcome: Polish Village Protests Against US Missile Defense System (Sputnik). How times have changed .... 30 years ago tens of thousands would have showed up .... today .... a few dozen.

More News On Work Beginning For A New Missile Defense Site In Poland

US, Polish Leaders Break Ground for Missile Defense Site -- AP
Navy breaks ground on Poland anti-missile site -- Stars and Stripes
US, Poland Celebrate as Construction of Base for Missile Shield Begins -- Sputnik
Construction of NATO missile base begins -- Radio Poland
Aegis Ashore Groundbreaking in Poland to Follow Site Activation in Romania -- Sea Power Magazine
Poland begins construction of NATO anti-ballistic-missile defense site -- APA
Putin warns NATO missile shield is threat to peace in Europe -- Chicago Tribune/Bloomberg
US Missile Defense System in Poland Not Directed Against Russia - Warsaw -- Sputnik

Russian President Putin Warns NATO Missile Shield Is A Threat To Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council at the Bocharov Ruchei state residence in Sochi, Russia, May 13, 2016. Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/Kremlin via Reuters

The Australian/The Times: New NATO missile shield angers Vladimir Putin

A US-built missile defence site in Romania has been officially opened under the banner of NATO amid angry opposition from Russia.

The $US800 million ($1.1 billion) defensive battery at a former ­Soviet military base, with missiles said to be capable of shooting down rockets fired at Europe, opened on Thursday. It is part of a protective shield due to be completed by the end of the decade.

Senior NATO and US figures insisted that the network was being created to defend against an attack from Iran, which ­continues to test ballistic weapons, or rogue states.

Russia described the opening of the facility about 400km from the Black Sea as a direct threat to its interests.

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WNU Editor: This issue is not going to go away.

More News On Russian President Putin Warnings That The NATO Missile Shield Is A Threat To Russia

Putin: Russia will consider tackling NATO missile defense threat -- RT
Putin warns he will 'put an end to threats' as US missile shield begins operating in Romania and work begins on a second base in Poland -- Daily Mail
Russia will act to neutralize U.S. missile shield threat: Putin -- Reuters
Putin Warns Russia Will Respond to NATO Missile Shield -- AP
Putin Warns NATO Missile Shield Is Threat to Peace in Europe -- Bloomberg
Putin: NATO’s missile shield complex activation in Romania complicates global situation -- TASS
Putin warns US over its defence systems in Europe -- Al Arabiya

A Look Inside The Romanian Based Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (Video)

From YouTube: NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY DEVESELU, Romania (May 10, 2016) File video depicting inside the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) Combat Information Center (CIC) and the Combat Systems Maintenance Center of the deckhouse at NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY DEVESELU, Romania. The AAMDS  uses a nearly identical configuration of the Vertical Launch System, fire control system, and SPY-1 radar currently in use aboard Aegis cruisers and destroyers deployed around the world. The AAMDS is a key element in Phase II of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA). (U.S. Navy video/Released)

NATO - U.S. Missile Defense System Activated

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (L), Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work (R) take part in an official inauguration ceremony at Deveselu air base, Romania, May 12, 2016. Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea/via REUTERS

Reuters: U.S. activates Romanian missile defense site, angering Russia

The United States switched on an $800 million missile shield in Romania on Thursday that it sees as vital to defend itself and Europe from so-called rogue states but the Kremlin says is aimed at blunting its own nuclear arsenal.

To the music of military bands at the remote Deveselu air base, senior U.S. and NATO officials declared operational the ballistic missile defense site, which is capable of shooting down rockets from countries such as Iran that Washington says could one day reach major European cities.

"As long as Iran continues to develop and deploy ballistic missiles, the United States will work with its allies to defend NATO," said U.S. Deputy Defence Secretary Robert Work, standing in front of the shield's massive gray concrete housing that was adorned with a U.S. flag.

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WNU Editor: What concerns me is talk in Moscow of doing this .... Russia Could Drop START Treaty Due to New Air Defense Systems in Europe (Sputnik).

More News On NATO - U.S. Missile Defense System Activated

New U.S. missile site goes live in Russia's back yard -- CBS/AP
U.S. and NATO Officials Inaugurate Missile Defense Shield in Romania -- WSJ
US, NATO Activate Missile Defense Site in Romania -- VOA
US Missile Shield In Romania Switched On, Kremlin Calls It ‘Threat To Russia’s Security’ -- IBTimes

Reaction From Russia

Russia Calls New U.S. Missile Shield in Romania a 'Direct Threat' -- NBC
NATO Air Defense Systems Near Russian Border 'Poses a Threat to Russia' -- Sputnik
Russia is taking countermeasures against US missile defense in Europe — Kremlin -- TASS
‘Certainly it’s a threat’: Moscow rejects NATO claims ABM site safe for Russia -- RT

U.S. To Switch On European Missile Shield Despite Russian Protests

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Reuters: U.S. to switch on European missile shield despite Russian alarm

The United States' European missile defense shield goes live on Thursday almost a decade after Washington proposed protecting NATO from Iranian rockets and despite Russian warnings that the West is threatening the peace in central Europe.

Amid high Russia-West tension, U.S. and NATO officials will declare operational the shield at a remote air base in Deveselu, Romania, after years of planning, billions of dollars in investment and failed attempts to assuage Russian concerns that the shield could be used against Moscow.

"We now have the capability to protect NATO in Europe," said Robert Bell, a NATO-based envoy of U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter. "The Iranians are increasing their capabilities and we have to be ahead of that. The system is not aimed against Russia," he told reporters, adding that the system will soon be handed over to NATO command.

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WNU Editor: Russia reacts .... Russia: U.S. missile shield in Romania flouts nuclear treaty (Reuters).

More News On The U.S. Preparing To Switch On Its European Missile Shield Despite Russian Protests

US Gears up Missile Defense System in Europe to Russia's Ire -- AP
After long wait, U.S. to unveil European missile shield -- Reuters
U.S. To Unveil European Missile-Defense System -- RFE
Amid Russia's Ire, US Set To Activate European Missile Shield In Romania -- IBTimes
U.S. Prepares to Switch on Missile Shield Despite Russian Protests -- Moscow Times
US Claims Anti-Missile Site in Poland There to Prevent Middle East Threats -- Sputnik

Russian Foreign Minister: U.S. President Obama Lied About European Missile Defense

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov looks on as he attends a meeting of Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Ufa, Russia, July 10, 2015. REUTERS/IVAN SEKRETAREV/POOL/FILES

Asian Age/Reuters: Russia’s Lavrov blasts US plans on missile shield

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that US President Barack Obama appeared not to have told the truth in 2009 comments about the need for a planned missile shield in Europe should a nuclear deal be reached with Iran.

Mr Lavrov was quoted in the transcript of an interview with Channel News Asia on the foreign ministry’s website as saying in English: “President Obama in 2009 publicly said that if the Iranian nuclear issue is resolved, there would be no need for missile defense in Europe. It seems that he was not telling the truth

Update: Russia Concerned Over US Military Buildup, Joint Drills in Asia - Lavrov -- Sputnik

WNU Editor: A lot of things that were promised/understood over the years (by both sides) are no longer valid .... so much for the U.S. - Russian reset.

U.S. Suspends Missile Defense Talks With Russia

Pentagon Suspends Missile Shield Talks with Russia over Ukraine. © RIA Novosti. Igor Zarembo

Pentagon Suspends Missile Shield Talks With Russia Over Ukraine -- RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, April 3 (RIA Novosti) - The Pentagon has halted all talks with Russia concerning its anti-missile defense shield in Europe over the Ukrainian crisis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy Elaine Bunn said.

"Russia's intervention in Ukraine in violation of international law led to the suspension of our military-to-military dialogues, including civilians, and we have subsequently not continued to engage Russia on the topic of missile defense," Ms. Bunn said.

Washington has also declined to introduce any restrictions on anti-missile defense as proposed by Russia, the US deputy defense chief said.

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More News On The U.S. Suspending Missile Defense Talks With Russia

U.S. Suspending Missile Defense Cooperation Talks with Russia -- National Journal/Global Security Newswire
US suspending "non-existent" missile defense cooperation - Russian deputy FM -- Voice of Russia
Senior Russian Official Blames US for Botched Anti-Missile Talks -- RIA Novosti
OPINION: US Pullout on Missile Defense Talks Won’t Impact Russia -- RIA Novosti

The First U.S. Missile Cruiser Arrives To Boost NATO Missile Defense

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook steams off the coast of Norfolk, Va, on its way to Rota, Spain, where it arrived Feb. 11, 2014. It is the first of four U.S. Navy destroyers to form the centerpiece of Europe?s missile defense shield there. Adam Austin/U.S. Navy

First US Missile Shield Destroyer Arrives In Europe -- RT

The first of four US Navy destroyers, the USS Donald Cook, set to be a cornerstone of NATO’s European missile defense shield has arrived at the Spanish naval port of Rota, its new home. Russia says the system is a direct threat to its security.

The USS Donald Cook will be joined by three more Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, which all are fitted with the Aegis weapon system. Over the next two years the USS Ross, USS Porter and USS Carney will all be based at Rota in southern Spain.

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More News On The Arrival Of The First U.S. Missile Cruiser Arrives To Boost NATO Missile Defense

First of four US Navy ships to support NATO Ballistic Missile Defense arrives in Spain -- NATO
First of 4 US destroyers arrive in Spain as part of NATO anti-missile shield -- FOX News/AP
First of four missile destroyers arrives in Spain -- Stars and Stripes
US Warship In Spain To Support NATO Ballistic Missile Defense -- RTT
USS Donald Cook arrives in new home port in Spain -- Washington Post/AP

U.S. Scraps The Final Missile Defense Phase In Europe

US Scraps Final Phase Of European Missile Shield -- BBC

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has scrapped the final phase of its European missile defence shield, citing development problems and funding cuts.

Upgraded interceptors were to have been deployed in Poland to counter medium- and intermediate-range missiles, and potential threats from the Middle East.

Mr Hagel said the threat had "matured" and that the US commitment to Nato missile defence remained "ironclad".

The interceptors had been strongly opposed by the Russian government.

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More News On The U.S. Scrapping The Final Missile Defense Phase In Europe

US drops key European missile defense component -- RT
US axes Europe missile defence interceptor -- Sydney Morning Herald
With Eye on North Korea, U.S. Cancels Missile Defense Russia Opposed -- New York Times
US move on missile defense could revive talks with Russia -- Global Post/AFP
Missile defense reversal may ruffle some allies in Europe -- TribLive/AP
U.S. Backtracks On Missile Defense Plans In Poland -- Roman Mamonov, VOR

Nato's Missile Defence Shield Operational

Missile Defense Shield In Place To Protect Europe, NATO Chief Says -- CNN

(CNN) -- NATO's chief says the alliance now has interim ballistic missile defense capability in Europe, a move that is likely to further heighten tensions with Russia over its objection to a missile defense shield.

"It is the first step towards our long-term goal of providing full coverage and protection for all NATO European populations, territory and forces," Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters Sunday, the first day of a two-day NATO summit in Chicago.

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More News On Europe's Missile Defense Shield Being Activated

Nato's missile defence shield 'up and running' -- BBC
NATO: European missile shield 'provisionally operational' -- Christian Science Monitor
NATO declares European missile shield partly operational -- Stars and Stripes/Deutsche Presse-Agentur
NATO Declares Interim Missile Defense Capability -- RTT
NATO unveils multi-nation missile defence system -- Redff
NATO declares first stage of missile shield operational -- Deutsche Welle
NATO Reiterates Vow That Missile System Not Aimed at Russia -- The Moscow Times
NATO, Defying Russia, Moves Forward With Missile Shield -- US News and World Report
NATO activates missile shield despite Russian anger -- AFP
Moscow Reiterates Missile Defense Threats -- RIA Novosti
NATO summit brings BMD details into focus -- DoD Buzz
Missile defense is back -- Alexander Zaitchik, Salon

Russia Continues To Threaten U.S./NATO Missile Defense Program (Updated)

Member of the U.S. Navy stand aboard the USS Higgins, one of 18 American ships deployed globally with Aegis interceptor systems (Reuters / Atef Safadi Pool)

Russia Threatens Military Strike Over NATO Missile Defence 'If U.S Doesn't Back Down' -- Daily Mail

Russia's top military officer has threatened to carry out a pre-emptive strike on U.S.-led NATO missile defense facilities in Eastern Europe if Washington goes ahead with its controversial plan to build a missile shield.

President Dmitry Medvedev said last year that Russia will retaliate militarily if it does not reach an agreement with the United States and NATO on the missile defense system.

Chief of General Staff Nikolai Makarov went further in his statements yesterday.

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Previous Post: Russia Threatens War Over U.S.-NATO Missile Defense

More News On Russian Threats Against The U.S./NATO Missile Defense Program

Russia threatens to take aim at NATO's missile defense shield -- Christian Science Monitor
Russia says preemptive strike on NATO missile system is possible -- L.A. Times
Russian military ups the ante on missile defense -- AP
When NATO/US European ABM becomes a threat, it will be dealt with -- Voice of Russia
Russia holds fast in objection to missile shield -- Deutsche Welle
NATO: missile defense not aimed at Russia -- FOX News/AP
NATO: Russia talk of pre-emptive strike unjustified -- Reuters
Moscow Takes Harder Line, But NATO Chief Still 'Hopeful' On Missile Defense -- Radio Free Europe
NATO's Rasmussen hopeful on Russian missile pact -- Chicago Tribune/Reuters
Russia-NATO agreement on missile defense unlikely in near future -- Xinhuanet
Russia's Last Warnings to Washington -- Moscow Times

Problems Are Being Reported On The European Missile Defense Program

(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Image from RIA Novosti

Reports: NATO Missile Defense Overpriced, Underpowered -- Anti-War

Pentagon Adviser Warns of Big Problems, Offers No Solutions

In 2009, after years of reports about dramatic cost overruns, long delays and technological failures, President Obama announced he was essentially scrapping the Bush-era missile defense plan for Europe, replacing it with a new, more mobile version that was supposed to be cheaper and easier to get off the ground.

Fast forward to today, and a pair of new reports from the GAO and the Pentagon’s advisory body are casting yet more doubts on the new system, noting it is plagued by many of the same problems of the abandoned system.

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Update: European Missile Defense Program Coming Under New Scrutiny -- Huffington Post/AP

My Comment: I rarely post articles from Anti-War .... their posting is more focused on ideology/philosophy/commentary (and that is where I usually post their commentary) .... but on the case of NATO's missile defense program .... they have a point.

Nato And Russia Still Differ On Missile Defense

Russia Balks At NATO's Revised Plans For Missile Defense Shield -- Christian Science Monitor

NATO's revised plans for a missile defense shield to protect against Iran are likely to top today's NATO-Russia meeting.

As Europe and the US grow increasingly concerned about the threat of Iranian nuclear weapons, Russia is taking a firm stance against one of the West's key plans for defending itself: a European missile defense shield. The issue is likely to be at the top of the agenda for a meeting of the NATO-Russian Council in Brussels today.

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More News On NATO - Russian Disagreements Over Missile Defense

Clinton says missile shield no threat to Russia -- AFP
NATO missile defense to move forward: Clinton -- Xinhuanet
NATO, Russia square off over missile defense -- CNN
NATO, Russia at Odds Over Missile Shield -- Voice of America
NATO-Russia tensions over missile defence -- Euronews
NATO, Russia say still no agreement on missiles -- Seattle PI/AP
Russia says time short in NATO missile standoff -- Reuters
NATO-Russia fail to agree on missile defence -- Euronews
NATO, Russia to continue talks on missile defense -- Xinhuanet
NATO chief rebuffs Russian threats to counter missile shield -- Washington Post
Top NATO official counters Russia threat as waste -- AP
Russian missile counter-measures a waste of money: NATO -- Reuters

NATO And Russia Still Differ On European Missile Defense

RIA Novosti / Sergey Pyatakov

Russia Warns On Missile Shield As NATO Meets -- Khaleej Times/AFP

VILNIUS — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that NATO had refused to provide a written guarantee that its planned missile shield for Europe poses no threat to Moscow.

“Our friends in NATO categorically refuse to put on paper in legal form what they say verbally, namely that this missile defence project in Europe is not creating risks for Russia, is not directed against Russia,” Lavrov said.

“We continue consultations but our legitimate concerns are not been taken into account,” Lavrov told journalists during a visit to Lithuania.

Lavrov is due to meet his NATO counterparts on Thursday, who are hoping to calm Russian fears over their missile shield project which they insist is aimed at warding off attacks from so-called “rogue states”, namely Iran.

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My Comment: Nato and Russia are of two minds when it comes to missile defense. NATO is focused on rogue nations like Iran, and Russia is focused on the idea that everyone is focused on them. But while Russia's military chief warns of an arms race with NATO, and NATO tries it's best to calm Russian fears, work on missile defense continues,

Russia Threatens To Target U.S. Missile Shield In Europe

Medvedev Threatens To Target U.S. Missile Shield In Europe If No Deal Is Reached -- Washington Post

MOSCOW — President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday that Russia will target the American missile defense system in Europe with its own missiles if Moscow cannot reach an agreement with Washington and NATO on how the system will be built and operated.

Medvedev said time hasn’t run out for an agreement, but he accused the United States of failing to take into account Russian concerns.

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More News On Russian Threatening To Target Europe's Missile Shield

Russia Elevates Warning About U.S. Missile Defense Shield Plan -- New York Times
Medvedev: Russia may target missile defense sites -- Yahoo News/AP
Medvedev: Russia may target US missile shield -- AP
Russia Warns of Response to US Missile Shield -- Voice of America
Russia Prepares to 'Destroy' U.S. Shield, Medvedev Says -- SFGate/Bloomberg
Russia to move missiles to EU borders if U.S. shield talks fail - Medvedev -- RIA Novosti
Medvedev outlines measures to counter Western missile defense -- RT
Russia threatens to deploy missiles in row with US -- Euronews
Russia in Europe missile threat -- BBC
Russia threatens missile deployment on EU borders -- AFP
Russia's Medvedev Reminds the U.S. He Still Has Nuclear Missiles -- Atlantic Wire
Russia needs to put down the missiles and relax -- Matt Gurney, National Post

U.S. - Russia Discuss Euro-Missile Defense

The Standard Missile Interceptor. Photo: © www.navy.mil

Russian, U.S. Foreign Policy Chiefs Discuss Missile Defense -- Global Security Newswire

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Saturday held talks that touched on missile defense, ITAR-Tass reported (see GSN, Nov. 17).

"As for the missile defense, we will continue discussions with a view of finding mutually acceptable solutions," Lavrov said on Friday of the impending meeting, which took place on the margins of a regional summit in Indonesia.

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More News On U.S. - Russian Discussions On Euro-Missile Defense

US shoots down Russian missile defense proposals - Rogozin -- RT
U.S. ready to provide Russia with missile shield details -- RIA Novosti
U.S. ready to inform Russia on Euro-defense shield -- Voice of Russia
Medvedev says to adopt responsive actions to NATO missile defense system -- Xinhuanet

My Comment: These discussions may become moot if these rumors are true.

U.S. Missile Defense Program In Europe On The Chopping Block

U.S. Budget Woes Could Hit Missile Shield In Europe -- Salt Lake Tribune

Washington • A breakdown in high-stakes budget talks in Congress could threaten plans for a missile defense shield in Europe.

Congressional negotiators have shown little sign they will be able to meet Wednesday’s deadline for reducing the deficit by $1.2 trillion over 10 years. If they fail to agree, a new law mandates cuts throughout the federal government, including a big slice of the defense budget.

While it is not known what military spending would be cut, an expensive program aimed primarily at defending Europe is unlikely to be spared.

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My Comment: I can see the argument happening right now .... why spend money defending Europe when they are unwilling to do so themselves. But the real substantive cuts are not going to be in Europe .... but actually here.

U.S. And Russia Are Still Far Apart On Missile Defense

Russia Dismisses U.S. Antimissile Test Proposal As Propaganda -- Global Security Newswire

Russia on Tuesday appeared to turn down an invitation made last month by the United States to participate in a U.S. missile interceptor trial, according to an Interfax report (see GSN, Oct. 27).

The offer was extended by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency as a means of reassuring Moscow that U.S. missile interceptors pose no threat to Russia's long-range nuclear weapons.

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My Comment: I understand Russia's position that witnessing ABM tests does not guarantee it's nuclear deterrent, but the US will not accept Russia's demands to be a full partner. With no common ground, my gut is telling me that this disagreement will continue in the years to come.

Russia Threatens To Break Off Missile Defense Cooperation Over US Basing Of Aegis Cruisers In Spain

Russia warned on Thursday it may stop cooperation with the United States on a missile shield in Europe. © RIA Novosti. Michail Fomichev

Russia Threatens Stop To Missile Defense Cooperation -- RIA Novosti

Russia warned on Thursday it may stop cooperation with the United States on a missile shield in Europe.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow condemned Washington for making far-reaching decisions “without collective discussion” and ignoring the opinions of all interested parties.

“If this continues, then the chance created at the NATO-Russia summit in Lisbon to turn anti-missile defense from an area of confrontation to an area of cooperation may be lost,” the ministry said.

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More News On Russian Reaction To Stationing US Aegis Cruisers In Spain

Russia criticizes latest U.S. missile defense deal -- Reuters
Russia Says U.S. Approach to Missile Defense ‘Unacceptable’ -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Russia threatens to stop cooperation with U.S. over missile defense -- Xinhuanet

My Comment: The Russians knew a long time ago that the American Aegis platform was going to be used for missile defense in Europe .... hence their reaction today is ....hmmm .... let us stay staged.