Russian minister makes case for Russian/NATO BMD solution

Russia launched a renewed diplomatic offensive in London to counter US-led proposals to site ballistic missile defence (BMD) assets in Europe, conceding that this has the potential to neuter Moscow's strategic nuclear deterrent while offering a compromise solution aimed in part at NATO's central and eastern European member states.

The effort to counter what Russia views as a threat to its ability to operate an independent deterrent was launched by Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov during a closed briefing at the London residence of the Russian Ambassador to the UK, Alexander Yakovenko, on 20 June.

In a presentation entitled Anti-Missile Defence: Confrontation or Co-operation to representatives, primarily of the London embassies of central and eastern European states and London think-tanks, Antonov represented a detailed proposal for a joint NATO-Russian BMD solution.

Antonov told the assembly: "Our position on missile defence is based on three pillars: the first is the equal and indivisible security of all nations. No country has the right to increase security at the expense of others. The second [pillar] is the link between defence and offensive arms; and the third is the role a nuclear deterrent in ensuring stability.