Russia Praises Missile Shield Decision, Obama's 'Responsible Attitude'

The government of Russia is praising President Obama's decision to scrap a land-based missile-defense system in Eastern Europe, which the country had seen as a threat to its national security. The proposed shield had strained U.S.-Russian relations since President George W. Bush pushed for it at the end of his administration. But reaction in other Eastern European nations, including Poland and the Czech Republic, was mixed, as they had seen the shield as a layer of protection from future Russian aggression.


Russia's positive reaction was tentative, however, pending more details from the United States. Obama said the U.S. would opt to contain Iran more directly, using the Navy's Aegis combat system. Russia said such a strategy would not be seen as a threat, but the more advanced missiles and land placements Obama has proposed may still cause suspicion. "Everything depends on the scale of such a system," Russian Major Gen. Vladimir Dvorkin said. "If it comprises a multitude of facilities, including a space echelon, it may threaten the Russian potential of nuclear deterrence."

The immediate reaction in Russian political circles was excitement, however, as officials see the move as a triumph for their firm stance on the shield and a sign that President Obama wants to strengthen U.S. ties with the Kremlin. President Dmitri Medvedev said the move creates "good conditions" for a relationship and showed Obama's "responsible attitude."

A Cautious Russia Praises Obama Move [Washington Post]