Russia’s Vladimir Putin recently stated that no plans arms reduction will be carried out until the United States cancels the missile interceptors in Poland. The missile shield which would offer protection from Europe as well as Iran has been criticized and strongly opposed by Russia since the very beginning. Why is Russia so opposed to this missile shield? Because it would neutralize their ability to attack the United States. As of now, Russia still has considerable weapons capabilities which affords the nation negotiating power with the United States. However if we place a missile interceptor near Russia, the nation will be disarmed. Putin stated,
“One needn’t be an expert to understand: If one party wants or would have an umbrella against all kinds of threats, this party would develop an illusion that it is allowed to do anything and then the aggressiveness of its actions will increase numerously, and the threat of global confrontation will reach a very dangerous level.”
In short, Putin believes that if the United States is well protected, we will lose all accountability from other nations. What Putin fails to realize is that the US already has advanced counter attack systems in place which allows for protection from outside threats. True this plan would augment our ability to be protected. But since when is a nation criticized for building up defensive measures? I don’t believe Russia is worried about the United States losing accountability and becoming a negative, domineering force. Instead Russian leaders are concerned with the notion of being left without a formidable offense.
