Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Putin: Russia Ready for 'New Arms Race'

Lame-duck prez takes veiled jabs at NATO weapons plans, US Middle East policy

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 8, 2008 3:45 PM CST

(Newser) – Russian president Vladimir Putin virtually renewed Cold War hostilities today, accusing the West of starting a new arms race and vowing to respond in kind, Reuters reports. “It is already clear that a new arms race is unfolding,” Putin said, citing recent NATO decisions to expand to Russia’s border and install missile-defense systems in central Europe. “We are forced to retaliate.”

Putin savaged US foreign policy, saying its actions “smell of oil and gas.” “Under the disguise of turgid declarations about freedom and open society, sometimes the sovereignty of certain states and whole regions is being destroyed,” he said. Putin's hand-picked successor is expected to replace him in 3 months, and many billed the speech as a “blueprint” for him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech at the Kremlin in Moscow on February 8, 2008. Putin heralded a wealthy Russia able to compete in a new 'arms race' with a speech setting long term priorities for his hand-picked successor ahead of next month's presidential election. (VLADIMIR RODIONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech at the Kremlin in Moscow on February 8, 2008. Putin heralded a wealthy Russia able to compete in a new 'arms race' with a speech setting long term priorities...   (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to address a presidential state council in Moscow's Kremlin, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. President Vladimir Putin criticized the United States and NATO on Friday for military expansion toward Russia's borders and failing to respond to Moscow's security concerns. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev )
Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to address a presidential state council in Moscow's Kremlin, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. President Vladimir Putin criticized the United States and NATO on Friday for...   (Associated Press)
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he addresses a presidential state council in Moscow's Kremlin, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. President Vladimir Putin criticized the United States and NATO on Friday for military expansion toward Russia's borders and failing to respond to Moscow's security concerns. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev )
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he addresses a presidential state council in Moscow's Kremlin, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. President Vladimir Putin criticized the United States and NATO on Friday...   (Associated Press)
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses presidential state council in Moscow's Kremlin, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. President Vladimir Putin criticized the United States and NATO on Friday for military expansion toward Russia's borders and failing to respond to Moscow's security concerns. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses presidential state council in Moscow's Kremlin, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. President Vladimir Putin criticized the United States and NATO on Friday for military expansion...   (Associated Press)
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he addresses a presidential state council in Moscow's Kremlin, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. President Vladimir Putin criticized the United States and NATO on Friday for military expansion toward Russia's borders and failing to respond to Moscow's security concerns. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev )
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he addresses a presidential state council in Moscow's Kremlin, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. President Vladimir Putin criticized the United States and NATO on Friday...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Russia Scraps Plan for Nukes Near Europe

Medvedev Rips 'Provocateurs, Extremists'

Kremlin Tries to Calm Protesters

Putin Officially Running for Prez

Tyrant Putin's Return Bad News


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne