Putin Signals He Prefers Combat to Compromise

Photo of Putin courtesy of THE TIMES

THE TELEGRAPH: President Vladimir Putin has sent a chilling message to world leaders on the eve of the G8 summit with a threat to aim Russian nuclear missiles at European cities for the first time since the Cold War.

In comments that seemed calculated to cause consternation and division at Wednesday's meeting in Germany, the Russian leader said that American plans to erect a missile defence shield in eastern Europe had left him with no choice but to retaliate.

"It is obvious that if part of the strategic nuclear potential of the United States is located in Europe we will have to respond," he told reporters from G8 countries in Moscow at the weekend. 



"What kind of steps are we are going to take in response? Of course we are going to acquire new targets in Europe." Putin in nuclear threat against Europe (more) By Adrian Blomfield

TELEGRAPH LEADER:
Kick the Russians out

TIMESONLINE:
Putin raises spectre of nuclear war in Europe

Mark Alexander