From Russia With Threats

In a chilling reversal of the good will that has existed between Russia and the US for more than a decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a series of very serious threats in response to what he sees as US aggression in central Europe.

MOSCOW (AFP) - President Vladimir Putin issued an acerbic warning Thursday to the United States, saying the recent test of a new Russian missile was a direct response to US actions and condemning "imperialism" in world affairs.

"Our American partners have quit the ABM Treaty," Putin told reporters after meeting his Greek counterpart, referring to the landmark 1972 US-Soviet treaty limiting the missile defenses of the Cold War superpower foes.

"We warned them then that we would come out with a response to maintain the strategic balance in the world. Yesterday we conducted a test of a new strategic ballistic missile with multiple warheads, and of a new cruise missile, and will continue to improve our resources."

Unfortunately, this is a sobering reminder that the likelihood of conflict (although remote) still exists between the former superpower and the US.