Is Russia ‘Overreacting’ to the European ‘Defense’ Shield?

by Victor Mikhailovsky 

Throughout the years, governments may have changed, economic market may have moved, or political perspectives have changed but the Russian people still  have a great and long history of might, innovations, leadership, and Independence.  Even when time takes over , this  long history continues to run through the veins of all that inhabit the vast nation of Russia.

Recently, the United States and the European Union have been working closely with one another on several types of military technology. The Russian Government have requested in the past to include Russia in this development since Missile/Radar systems are being installed in Poland,Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. Any nation that is by such activities would want to be part of the development since it will affect them in several ways. Russia, only so many miles from these developing sites, have been denied to be part of the development or be part of a joint- committee to oversee the use of the sites.

In response to what the United States and the European Union have said, President Dimitry Medvedev announced plans  to address this developing situation that is occurring so close the Russia’s mainland. At this point, many observers have stated the Russia has overacted to this event.

Shortly after stating plans are being developed and will be announced, President Dimitry Medvedev stated that:

“By my order the Defense Ministry will run in a warning system radar station in Kaliningrad without delay”  

Kaliningrad is bordering Poland making the President’s decision to confront the Missile/Radar which is partly being developed in Poland, a responsible and appropriate reaction and surely not a overreaction.

The President goes further in his announcement by saying:

  “ All they say is, “This is not aimed against you, don’t worry.”They say there is no   reason for us to be concerned. But this comes from the executive branch only,   whereas lawmakers in some countries tell us openly, “This is intended against you.” … Our position is reasonable. “

In the ending of his speech he outlined several steps that are currently being taken to respond to the ‘defense shield’ :

1. First, I have instructed the Defense Ministry to immediately activate an early warning radar in Kaliningrad. 
2. Second, as part of the Russian aerospace defense program, Russia will urgently strengthen its defensive capabilities for Strategic Nuclear Forces installations. 
3. Third, strategic ballistic missiles coming into the arsenals of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy will be fitted with advanced missile defense penetration systems and the latest effective warheads. 
4. Fourth, I have ordered the Armed Forces to develop a set of measures that will enable Russia, if necessary, to destroy the data exchange and control centers of the missile defense system. These measures are adequate, effective and cost-efficient. 
5. Fifth, if the aforementioned measures prove to be insufficient, the Russian Federation will deploy, along its western and southern borders, advanced offensive systems capable of destroying the European component of the missile defense system. This will include deploying Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad. Other measures aimed at neutralizing the European component of the US missile defense system will also be prepared and implemented if necessary.  

Are these points of reaction an ‘overreaction’ as some place it to be? Those who believe this this, ask yourself this kindergarten question:

“What would you do if you were in their shoes?”

 -Reposted from WAAU News