(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Russia are concerned about a defence program the United States is planning to implement in Central Europe, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. 60 per cent of respondents think the U.S. anti-missile system represents more of a threat to Russia than Iran’s nuclear program or North Korea’s nuclear weapons.

In December 2002, U.S. president George W. Bush announced plans for the development of initial defence capabilities, which include ground-based and sea-based missile interceptors, as well as sensors located in space. Washington has explained the project as a means to defend the U.S. and its European allies from a potential attack by Iran or North Korea.

In January, the U.S. issued a formal request to place a missile defence radar base in the Czech Republic—in a military area southwest of Prague—as well as 10 interceptor missiles in Poland.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has repeatedly voiced concerns over the defence plan, claiming it is unnecessary and represents a threat to his country’s national security.

On Aug. 24, Yuri Balyuevsky, the Russian military’s chief of staff, told a Czech delegation of diplomats their government should not commit to the American plan until the 2008 U.S. presidential election takes place, adding, "There are unfounded allegations that Russia is attempting to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Western Europe."

Polling Data

Which of the following represents the greatest threat to Russia?