Russia, U.S. Clash (Again) Over Missile Shield Issue

Posted on Dec 29, 2009

U.S. Navy

A missile interceptor is launched from a U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser during a missile defense test.

Despite U.S.-Russian progress since Barack Obama’s inauguration on the sticky issue of the United States’ planned missile shield system, the two sides are not completely in agreement on the matter.

In fact, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has brought it up again in conjunction with another diplomatic priority on his to-do list vis-à-vis Team Obama, and a big one at that: nuclear disarmament. Meanwhile, the Obama administration doesn’t see the two concerns as interrelated and wants to treat them separately, according to the BBC.  —KA

BBC:

The United States has rejected fresh concerns raised by Moscow about its planned missile defence system.

The State Department statement came after Russian PM Vladimir Putin said the US plans were holding up a new nuclear disarmament treaty.

[...] Russia and the US are yet to find a successor to the Cold War-era Start I treaty, which expired on 5 December.

Analysts say Moscow wants a clause in the new treaty that would limit the scale of any US defence shield.

The US has shelved plans for missile defence stations in Central Europe, but intends to use a sea-based system.

Read more

More Below the Ad

New and Improved Comments

If you have trouble leaving a comment, review this help page. Still having problems? Let us know. If you find yourself moderated, take a moment to review our comment policy.