Here we go!
The Sunday TimesAugust 17, 2008
Russia’s new nuclear challenge to Europe
Mark Franchetti, Tbilisi
Russia is considering arming its Baltic fleet with nuclear warheads for the first time since the cold war, senior military sources warned last night.
The move, in response to American plans for a missile defence shield in Europe, would heighten tensions raised by the advance of Russian forces to within 20 miles of Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, yesterday.
Under the Russian plans, nuclear warheads could be supplied to submarines, cruisers and fighter bombers of the Baltic fleet based in Kaliningrad, a Russian enclave between the European Union countries of Poland and Lithuania. A senior military source in Moscow said the fleet had suffered from underfunding since the collapse of communism. “That will change now,” said the source.
“In view of America’s determination to set up a missile defence shield in Europe, the military is reviewing all its plans to give Washington an adequate response.”
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The proposal to bring back nuclear warheads was condemned by Kurt Volker, the US ambassador to Nato, who said he knew of the threat.
“It is really unfortunate that Russia chooses to react by putting nuclear warheads in different places – if indeed it does that – when the rest of the world is not looking at some kind of old-fashioned superpower conflict,” he said.
The warnings came 24 hours after Russia told Poland that it could face a nuclear strike for agreeing to let the United States station components of the missile defence shield on its soil.
The Russian military also said it would ignore attempts to restrict the movement of its Black Sea fleet in and out of Sebastopol, in Ukraine. The Crimean port was emerging as a potential flashpoint in Russia’s efforts to prevent former Soviet countries on its borders from joining Nato.
This weekend Ukraine further angered Russian officials by offering to create a joint missile defence network with western countries.
The Russians have already indicated that they may point nuclear missiles at western Europe from bases in Kaliningrad and Belarus. They are also said to be thinking of reviving a military presence in Cuba.
In Georgia, Russian forces extended their reach across the west of the country yesterday, occupying several towns, seizing control of a main road and blowing up a railway bridge. Working with Abkhazian fighters they seized several Georgian villages and the Enguri power station. They pulled out of Igoeti, a village near the capital, after President Dmitry Medvedev signed a ceasefire agreement. The deal gave the Russians the right to continue patrolling “a few miles” inside Georgia. President George W Bush called the signing a “hopeful step”.
David Cameron, the Conservative leader, seized the initiative with a lightning trip to Tbilisi, becoming the first British politician to meet President Mikhail Saakashvili since the conflict began. Critics have accused government ministers of dithering.
Writing in today’s Sunday Times, Cameron says: “Russian armies can’t march into other countries while Russian shoppers carry on marching into Selfridges.”
Have your say
Well the real picture of the US plan has come out. What did they think there were going to achieve? They were offered joint control, by Russia. But as the Russians said it all along it was really Russia being the target after all...
Dave, London, UK
can we have some permanent air defense missiles in britain please so we can defend ourselves from russian sub launched ballistic missiles and cruise missiles? cant exactly rely on missiles in poland if russia launches from somewhere in the atlantic.
are people still defending russia?
will, grimsby, uk
Cold war mentality is apparently very much alive in Kremlin. The argument that ten interceptor missiles(defensive) in Poland could alter the balance of power between Russia and US/NATO is absurd. Real explanation is that Putin and inner clique have evidently decided on reckless hard-line agenda.
John, Detroit, USA
The warnings came 24 hours after Russia told Poland that it could face a nuclear strike for agreeing to let the United States station components of the missile defence shield on its soil.
That scares the hell out of me. This is all unfolding and it is shocking how little press its getting in the US
Morgan, New York,
Ahh thats made me feel alot better about the situation, it's good to know that Jesus will protect me from a nuclear blast........ right Jesus? Jesus?
Ryan, Southsea, U.K
All the Russians have to do is turn off the oil and gas spigot to the West, esp via the Druzhba "friendship" pipeline -- and the Baltic submarine gas route to Germany.
To offset this, the West may cozy up to Tehran, which will turn the Israelis livid. The stage is set for a zero-sum denouement.
Mathew Maavak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Just when I though we were pas the nuclear threshhold - we are back at it again. It's insane to say the least.
Alex, Moscow, Russia
G Gibson, Australia - I'd like to point out that every Christian, for the last 2000 years, has 'known' that "this is the last generation". They were all wrong.
Europe's had a Russian nuclear 'challenge' in the past. The solution is to isolate and bankrupt them. Make-believe gods don't come into it.
Jackie, Crewe, England
All these moves from Russia show the type of panic which has seized the Russian government. Suddendly they threat everybody from everywhere - from Black Sea, from Baltic etc. It means that Putin loses control and the decisions are only reactions to what US is doing with Poland, or what Ukrain etc
davidsalome, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Non story here. Shock horror : "Missile shield potential first strike target for power it is intended to deter". The Bear would do us no favours by not making this obvious even to the limited intellect of the failed historians in 'strategic studies'. departments.
Eric Skelton, Cardiff, Wales
During the last three US presidents - since almost 20 years - USA has wanted with the Europeans to integrate Russia in the World Community. Now it is over because of Putin 's system. Now inevatbely it will be confrontational at least and probably war against Russia in the context of nuclear weapons
davidsalome, Saint Petersburg, Russia
It''s too bad that Russia equates respect with fear.
Bruce Northwood, Silver Spring, USA
Just get your life right with Jesus Christ .
All that is happening can be found in Luke chapter 21 and (soon) in The Book of Revelation.
All the christians know that this is the last generation (1948 til the Second Coming).
Theres no need for fear if you have invited Jesus into your life.
G.Gibson, Sydney, Australia
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