(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY JIM FLINK

Is it a return to the Cold War and the Doomsday Clock? Russian President Dimitry Medvedev is warning the U.S. to back off its plans for a missile shield in Europe.  Or else. Russia Today has more from Mr. Medvedev.

“If other measures are insufficient Russia will deploy contemporary strike systems in the west and south, in order to prevent fire damage from U.S. missile systems deployed in Europe ... If the situation develops in an unfavorable way, Russia will reserve the right to cease further steps in the area of disarmament and arms control.”

Voice of America says, Russia is not the concern for the U.S. and its allies. Iran and North Korea are. And VOA reports, presently, there are holes in the NATO missile defense shield.

“The United States wants to build a land- and sea-based missile defense system to protect NATO and its allies against a possible attack from Iran or North Korea. It insists the missile shield is purely defensive and not aimed at Russia or anyone else. Russia has said that such a system would upset its own nuclear deterrent as well as the strategic weapons balance in Europe.”

So now, Russia is taking the offensive, warning it will deploy short range missiles near Poland aimed at poking holes in NATO’s defense system. Fox News points out, the timing is convenient domestically for Medvedev.

“He and other Russian leaders have made similar threats in the past, and the latest statement appears to be aimed at domestic audience ahead of Dec. 4 parliamentary elections.  Medvedev, who is set to step down to allow Prime Minister Vladimir Putin reclaim the presidency in March's elections, leads the ruling United Russia party list in the parliamentary vote.”

For now, the U.S. and NATO are suspending the sharing of any further defense information with Russia, as the temperature cools across the Continent. The National Post says, Russia needs to relax and get a grip.  

“Their concern, however misguided, makes some sense. Given the economic woes experienced by Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union, and the rapid collapse of its conventional military strength, its Soviet-vintage nuclear force is the only thing keeping it in the superpower game (and only barely, even then).”

Finally, the state-run Russian News Agency Ria Novosti quotes Medvedev as saying, if the U.S. and NATO recognize Russia’s concerns -- all will be well.

“If our partners approach the task of heeding our legitimate security interests in an honest and responsible way, I am sure we will manage to come to terms...”