On Thursday, Russia’s new president, Dmitry Medvedev voiced his dissatisfaction with the US missile defense plans in Europe. He said that he is planning, “an adequate response.” On first response to such words, one might immediately become alarmed at his implications. However Medvedev went on to clarify that he is still willing to negotiate with the United States. He was quoted saying, “I don’t think the situation is completely hopeless but those decisions that have been taken cannot please us and we will be forced to find an adequate response.”
He later continued on saying that he believes the worst thing he could do would be to end communications with the United States and Europe. Therefore he is open to negotiations and communication.
Just what plans have caused this aggravation? On Wednesday the Czech government approved the US plans to establish radar in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland. The purpose of such endeavors is to ensure that the US is protected against threats such as North Korea and Iran.
There should be no surprise that the Russians have opposed such a plan. We have only in recent years established an amiable relationship with Russia. Mainly, the Russians are upset because they fear that the missile shield will be dangerous to their security.
What will come of this new arrangement for missile defense systems and radar? Only time will tell. At this stage however, Medvedev sounds as though he would be easily appeased by the slightest US accommodation.
