Russia Not Sharing in Obama Celebration, Tests Missiles

With much of the world rejoicing at the news of Barack Obama’s election as the President of the United States, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says that his country will deploy short-range missiles near Poland, ostensibly in a countermove to U.S. military exercises and planned bases in Eastern Europe. Adding insult to injury, Medvedev placed the blame for the recent war in Georgia and the world financial crisis squarely on the shoulders of the United States.

In a disturbing development to the U.S. and democratic nations around the world, Medvedev has also suggested lengthening the Russian presidential term from four years to six. The move is a possible preface to a return to the Kremlin by Russian Prime Minister and Medvedev mentor Vladimir Putin, who was nothing if not critical of the United States during his terms in office. Commenting on the missile exercises, Medvedev noted "From what we have seen in recent years – the creation of a missile defense system, the encirclement of Russian with military bases, the relentless expansion of NATO – we have gotten the clear impression that they are testing our strength."

Though Washington has indicated that planned missile defense bases in Poland and the Czech Republic are being designed to protect against possible attacks from Iran, Medvedev has called this into question, noting that the bases are intended to weaken Russia. State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack reiterated that the missile defense bases were not intended to counter Russian moves, going on to say that "the steps that the Russian government announced today are disappointing. But, again, this is not directed at them. Hopefully one day they’ll realize that."