Dispatches from
STEPHEN LENDMAN
In response to Washington activating its new missile defense system in Romania intended solely for offense – able to strike Russia’s heartland with nuclear-armed cruise missiles, Putin reacted, saying: “Now, after the deployment of those anti-missile system elements, we’ll be forced to think about neutralizing developing threats to Russia’s security.” Activating America’s missile system aimed at Russia violates arms treaties between both countries, escalating tensions and launching a new arms race. “We’re not going to be dragged into” it, said Putin. “We’ll go our own way. We’ll work very accurately without exceeding the plans to finance the re-equipment of our Army and Navy, which have already been laid out for the next several years.”
Speaking to top defense and military industry officials, Putin said the system was aimed at blunting Russia’s nuclear arsenal. “This is not a defense system. This is part of U.S. nuclear strategic potential brought onto a periphery. In this case, Eastern Europe is such periphery,” Putin said.
“Recent developments indicate that the situation isn’t getting better. Unfortunately, it’s deteriorating.” Russia intends maintaining a strategic balance of power, wanting large-scale conflicts avoided. It may withdraw from treaties with America if its lawless hostile actions continue. Eventual confrontation between both powers seems inevitable – the unthinkable possibility of nuclear war. Last November, Putin said Russia is developing strike systems able to penetrate any missile defense shield. Work on its own shield is proceeding.
The true goal of America’s system is neutralizing Russia’s nuclear capability, he explained, along with gaining a first-strike advantage. US-hyped Iranian and North Korea threats divert attention from Washington’s real intentions. For years, Russian officials expressed concerns with their US counterparts, including at the presidential level, to no avail.
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Targeting Russia’s heartland with possible nuclear-armed intermediate-range cruise missiles requires an appropriate defensive response. America is no reliable partner. It’s Russia’s enemy, wanting pro-Western puppet governance replacing its sovereign independence.
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STEPHEN LENDMAN lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." ( http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html ) Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.
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