Why is Russia so upset over defensive missiles in Europe, unless they're planning to attack?

Question

Why is Russia so upset over defensive missiles in Europe, unless they're planning to attack?

Answer 1

Build some on the Mexican or Canadian borders and see how many love having them in their backyard.

We are allies with USA and I don't like having their spybase in my backyard.

Answer 2

Why is the US building defensive missiles in Europe?  

Answer 3

Russia is so upset because America planned to build missiles at Poland near Russia. Russia might think that America will use the missiles to attack the capital of Russia, Moscow. I try my best to give a best answer. Please give me 10 points so I can reached my next level. Your kindness will be appreciated.

Answer 4

Why was America so upset over defensive missiles in Cuba. Unless they're planning to attack ?

Answer 5

molly is 100% correct

Answer 6

Obviously, we have a few shining examples of why ignorance of history is a terrible thing.  The missiles Russia installed in Cuba were offensive, medium range ballistic missiles armed with nuclear warheads.  The missiles being installed in Poland are defensive, short range, anti-missile interceptors.  These missile are purely defensive in nature to intercept a very limited set of incoming ballistic missile, such as those Iran is in the process of developing and testing.  

There would be zero issue if Russia wanted to install similar systems in Cuba.  Russia is just a paranoid country who wants to maintain its sphere of influence over all of its bordering countries.

Answer 7

There is nothing new in using 'defensive systems' in an offensive way....Roman military tactics often depended upon using a wall of 'defensive' shields from behind which they could throw spears without fear of being hit by the enemy..... sound familiar ?

There simply is no such thing as a purely defensive weapon system, anything that makes you less like to suffer injury, helps you attack.

That is probably what the Russians are worried about.

Answer 8

There is nothing defencive about them whatsoever,  a missile defence system is the ultimate first strike weapon, allowing you to defend yourself against counterattack if you hit first. The real question is, why are we building offensive weapon systems on Russia's doorstep unless we are planning to attack?

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Answer 9

How would the US media report the installation of Russian defensive missiles in Cuba at Castro's request?

Somehow I can't see them being viewed as defensive....

Answer 10

The key word there is defencive.Defencive weapons is just a name that can easily be changed to offencive.Go figure.