Russian President Dmitry Medvedev delivered an aggressive speech against the US today, threatening to deploy short-range missiles and perhaps its navy to “neutralize” US plans for an anti-missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. Moscow perceives the American defense system—which Washington says is intended to deter “rogue” nations—as a direct threat, reports the BBC.
Medvedev also blamed “conceited” US policy for the Georgia conflict and the global financial crisis. And, though Medvedev only took office in May, he plans to extend the presidential term from 4 to 6 years—not saying if the extension was for him or his successor. Many speculate that Medvedev is merely standing in until the next election, when Vladimir Putin can return. (More Russia stories.)