How is Russia threatened by the deployment of missile interceptors/radar in Eastern Europe?

Question

"If the American nuclear potential grows in European territory, we have to give ourselves new targets in Europe," Mr. Putin was quoted as saying by Corriere della Sera, an Italian newspaper that took part in the interview.

"It is up to our military to define these targets, in addition to defining the choice between ballistic and cruise missiles. But this is just a technical aspect."

Asked whether the American plan to build a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe would force Moscow to direct its own missiles against cities or American military targets in Europe, Mr. Putin replied, "Naturally, yes," according to the newspaper.

Would the deployment of a radar site in the Czech Republic and 10 missile interceptors in Poland have that much effect upon Russian nuclear potential? Is Putin warranted in his concerns, or is he using especially harsh terms on a whim?

Answer 1

Despite the dissolution of the Soviet Union, US and Russian nuclear stance and targeting have remained essentially the same - both can and will destroy the other in case of an attack.



The bogus missile shield that Bush wants to construct in former Eastern Block nations is a direct challenge to Russia's regional influence. Putin is not being extraordinarily bellacose. This is standard Cold War bluster.

Answer 2

The Russians will never be sure that we have only 10 missiles. The problem is that the missile interceptors are based where they can hit the Russian missiles at the only time when they are really vulnerable--during takeoff. American submarine-based missiles can annihilate Russia almost without warning; hence, if an American attack appears to be underway, the Russians have just a few minutes to decide whether to retaliate. In 1995, the Russians perceived an American attack and aborted a retaliatory strike with just 4 minutes to spare. The natural tendency of any sane Russian leader under those circumstances is to "ride out" the crisis, to wait and see whether the attack turns out to be real, knowing that at least a few strategic missiles will survive the onslaught and be available for retaliation. Our missile defense shield will take that reassurance away. The thing that make this situation worse than ever is that Al Qaeda could simulate an American attack on Russia (especially if Al Qaeda had nuclear bombs) and probably trick the two countries into destroying each other.

Answer 3

To answer your first question Russia is not threatened by this deployment of anti-missile systems designed to take down missiles. Putin is simply taking this as an opportunity to bolster the Russian military machine.

If anything Russia should have taken this as a positive step assisting in the protection of its fringe areas from missile attack. At this moment you cannot trust Putin since he seems so bent on military expansion under false pretenses.

Answer 4

How would you feel if Russia was putting up radar tracking devices and anti-missile missiles along our border in Mexico to protect Central America from the Bahamas? If I were a Russian, I would be concerned, too.

Answer 5

Get the globe and a string and draw trajectories from Iran to long island and Seattle. the two parabolic trajectories (the only way the ballistic missles fly in accordance to the regulations of gravity) lay over Russia. So, if an anti-missile released from Poland hits its objective, it incredibly is going to hit it over Russia. this could be seen a nuclear risk, and retaliation will are available simple terms in half-hour.

Answer 6

of course Russia isn't threaten by it... 10 missile interceptors would barely do any damage in terms of Russia's size...



Putin just want to make a point that Czechs & Poles don't give a sh** about... that's the beauty of not being under 'the Russian rule'... we don't have to listen to Russians anymore...



This is just a propaganda and Putin feels like he needs to do something about missiles being places close to their borders... that's just one of those 'we're big so we have to be in everybody's business complex'... if I were Putin I would focus more the neighboring country that does have a nuclear weapon - China... instead of harassing two countries that don't even want to talk to him about this issue...

Answer 7

For a nuclear deterrent to actually function as a deterrent, it has to remain effective.



If we do something such as place a missile defense system in the area to mitigate the effectiveness of the Russian missile system, they have no other choice than to beef up their arsenal to re-establish the effectiveness of their system.



This is the entire basis of an arms race.

Answer 8

You have to understand that Russia is paranoid. History has made it so since every neighbor with the ability to attack her has done so (with the one exception of America.) So you understand why they don't trust any one.



They automatically react to any perceived threat by puffing themselves up and rattling their sabres. It akes them feel better and serves as a deterent, they believe. In the long run they will take concrete steps to counter any percieved threat.



Any missile defense system deployed near their border is thought to be a direct attack on their self defense posture. (Who else would these systems be lined up against in the region, China?)

Answer 9

It makes them nervous because they don't have such a system to protect themselves from our missiles. When the stakes are as high as nuclear war, one country trying to get any advantage over the other can be percieved as a threat.

Answer 10

He is making more of it then needs to be , I don't see any threat potential , the United States doesn't need to base anything in Europe for its own defense.I think it is because he had one too many "Vodka's" before his interview :))

Answer 11

russia couldnt hold their ground if they had china giving them a piggy back....russia is done with and has been since the reagan era...they just get a little unsettled when they get a whif of US STRENGTH. It'll go away once they realize what they cant do....

Answer 12

They are nervous about having American bases on their border.