Will the US missile defense shield going into Poland provoke Russia even more?

Question

Golly, we dont want little Mr Putin mad now, do we?

Answer 1

Yes.

But if the countries want it, it doesnt matter. NATO countries have Russia pissed too...but if the countries want ot be part of NATO, do they have to stop just because Russia will get upset?

No.

Answer 2

Though current US misslile defense can be useless even against usual russian missiles, the probable responses for this US defense and only for US defense can be the following:

1) Military bases and radars in Cuba, Venezuela (Why not, US creates it around Russia)

2) Missiles close to Europe (main territory of Russia have no border with Poland but there is russian enclave that is a neighbour to Poland)

3) More advanced missiles (damage, stealth, ability to avoid any US missile defense)

Answer 3

Probably it will. Although there's not much they can do outside except upgrading their missiles.

Russia already promised to aim their nuclear missiles at Poland, Ukraine and some other countries they're unhappy with. Which is obviously very friendly gesture from Russian side and should inspire extremely warm feelings towards Russian and bring trust in Russian peaceful intentions to higher levels :)

Russia tried to put nukes in Cuba back in 60s, which didn't work out too well. So, I doubt they'll risk something that stupid again.

And as soon as oil prices fall Russia won't have much money to finance their military at the current extent and given the latest government terror on private businesses in Russia, there won't be much money coming from other sources either.