Russia sees itself encircled by American bases
Chief of the General Staff Nikolai Makarov says that rearmament is necessary; after all, the USA is continuing to surround Russia with military bases. The General Staff intends to develop and reinforce Russia’s strategic nuclear forces.
Speaking at the Academy of Military Sciences yesterday, Chief of the General Staff Nikolai Makarov said that rearmament is necessary; after all, the USA is continuing to surround Russia with military bases. He even warned that US bases might be installed in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Makarov said: “The USA has woven a web of military bases around all regions of the world, including Europe. According to our information, the USA is also planning to install bases in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.” Moreover, Georgia and Ukraine “are being actively prompted” to join NATO. Makarov warned: “If anyone thinks there will be any fundamental changes in the international situation once a new administration moves into the White House, they are deeply mistaken.”
Under the circumstances, the General Staff can only rely on Russia’s strategic nuclear forces. They must be developed and reinforced. Makarov said: “Beneath our nuclear shield, we must guarantee that Armed Forces reform objectives are achieved on schedule.” Makarov confirmed that Russia might buy unpiloted aerial vehicles from Israel: “We are working on that issue. It would be a sample batch.” Georgia used Israeli-made Hermes 450 UAVs for reconnaissance and targeting during its invasion of South Ossetia.
Leonid Ivashov, vice president of the Geopolitical Studies Academy: “An American strategic plan called Anaconda is being actively implemented around Russia. A noose of military forces that threaten us is being drawn tight around our borders. As yet, there are still some gaps in it: Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. They seem to be sorting out Kazakhstan already: in November 2008, Astana offered the Pentagon two airfields for refueling and emergency landings. But if you look at a map, it’s clear that Almaty (where one of the airfields is located) is much closer to the Russian or Chinese borders than to Kabul.”