Putin “U.S. Withdrawal from ABM Is a Big Mistake“

Russian President Vladmir Putin criticized the U.S. decision through a televised statement on December 13, saying, "the U.S. decision to withdraw from the ABM is a mistake." but acknowledged that the ABM has come to an end and that a new security system should be established.

Putin took a different stance from the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty I and II, which emerged from a sector of the political leadership, and proposed to the U.S., "Both nations should decrease nuclear heads to 1500 – 2200 and put on document the basic documents already reached on Missile Defense and decreasing strategic weapons."

After his statement, Mr. Putin began contacting other nations with nuclear arms and leaders of nearby nations, moving to respond to the U.S.`s unilateral security strategy by mobilizing international support. Russia seems especially intent on strengthening the `triune alliance` between China and India after the U.S.`s withdrawal from the ABM.

On December 14, Mr. Putin met with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and discussed military technology exchange and cooperation. Preceding the meeting on the 13th, Mr. Putin telephoned President Jiang Zhemin of China and Prime Minister Bihari Vajpayee of India and said, "Let us work together to work for a strategic international security."

The Kremlin announced, "President Jiang expressed complete agreement with Russia on U.S.`s withdrawal from the ABM and promised to work together for strategic international security."

In his televised statement, Mr. Putin said, "Unlike other nations with nuclear weapons, Russia and the U.S. has the weapons capacity to break through Missile Defense system. The U.S.`s decision will not threaten Russia."

Meanwhile, President Jiang received U.S. President George W. Bush`s telephone call this day and explained China`s stance. He urged the U.S. to continue to abide by the ABM, reported state-run Chinese newspapers.

kimkihy@donga.com