I wonder, where all these weirdos keep coming from? One guy is suggesting to nuke the entire Russian fleet, another one claims that Russia is on the way to world domination. Add to this a neverending talk about China occuping Siberia. How much brainwashing it takes to create this way of thinking?

Anton, Urjupinsk,

Russia has been invaded by the west? Define west? Germany? Napoleon? Let's get real here, there is zero threat of a invasion of Russia in the 21st century. ...

Drake, Knox,

Exactly, let's get real - the is ZERO threat of Russia invading anybody either

Paul, Portland, OR, USA

Every country with an advanced military conducts military maneuvres, doesn't it? What all the fuss about? When the Russian military didn't have the money for large-scale exercises, it was derided by probably the same commentators who are now coming across all paranoid about the "Russian threat". Threat to whom? Some boneheads even suggested shooting down Russian planes and blowing up its vessels (in neutral waters). And then you are surprised by the fear and loathing that the US induces in the world?

Mickey, Dubai,

Maybe Putin wants Chelsea? Or - given that he's given up harrasing our guys in Russia and letting Plutonium loose in downtown London and switched to the bay of Biscay he's after Real Madrid........

James, Glasgow,

Presumably the RAF fighters scrambled for the free training experience shadowing an opponent whos manouvers are unpredictable. Quite rightly so. The Russian battlegroup provided about as much menace to the UK as the Klingon starfleet.

E Skelton, cardiff, uk

Kudos to russia for at least trying to restore some of there lost pride and shame on you americans for making a joke or percieving a threat, since it was american captilism that led to their economic downfall. the more countries that shy away from american free market reform the better. the world is finally waking up.

blaze, north bay , canada

ZIZ, the reason why we haven't heard much or anything from the Armchairs in the EU/UK/USA etc., is because This Exercise is not a big deal. End of Story.

Roger, Hamble, Hants, England

Well done, Russia!
Good job!!!
You are the greatest country in the world and I do believe in you revival.
Good luck in exercising!

Rus, London, UK

@RD lion
American and british resolve has done enough in this world, just ask the iraqi,s who's country you have literally raped and pillaged. to what end 650000 to 2000000 iraqis dead....little wonder you are despised in the world

logan, canada,

All very well for the US people posting here to be so casual - but it might be a little different if they were test firing missiles in the Gulf of Mexixo - anyone who lives in Europe who remembers the "Old Cold War" will be following stories like there with some trepidation ..

drk, cadiz, spain

The Russians like to play chess, and this is just another chess move. Putin is a smart guy and knows his real lever in Europe is energy, but he also needs to make noise with his military once in a while. If push really came to shove, his military wouldn't last an hour against NATO and he knows it. The only credible weapon he still has is the nuclear tipped ballistic missile, and that isn't a credible threat from anyone but a nutcase (of which Putin clearly is not).

These maneuvers are for domestic consumption, because I don't think anyone in the US/NATO military is honestly scared of 1950's prop bombers. For the outside world, this is more like an old fat guy strutting around in a Speedo.....

Doug, Boulder Creek, US/CA

Let them play with their toys...Hopefully they will spend money on them and need to sell oil on the open market, thus lowering the price of oil.

Barton449, Amherst, NH USA

Hugh, we could only be so lucky.

Paul Allen, menlo park, CA, USA

With regard to Hugh from florida who made reference to "not wanting another America in the world", - It should be pointed out that it was America's resolve, with the great help of the UK, over the past century that has givin him the opportunity to freely voice his opinions in this forum, however ridiculous they may be !

R.D.Lion, Connecticut, USA

The Russians have a very fine 2nd world military. Don't be afraid O Liberals, our forces will easly protect you. ....Then again, you can always leave this country, hugh and abby.

Steve, Raleigh,

"However, I read the end of the book and his homeland will become a quote "lake of fire: end quote."
-
Not only HIS homeland, BaKer, YOURS (and everyone else's) too...That's the spirit of the game...

Leonard, alghero,

Russia has vast oil reserves. So does the US. The difference is that Russia will tap those reserves, the US will not in order to protect the the 4 winged gnat.

Foncool, USA,

If Russia wanted to war with the west, all they need to do is launch a full out attack on our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. they could effectively cripple about half of our operative force in a few days...

What they're doing here is nothing to do with war. THis is only about internal politics. Putin and his party want to show that they are tough enough to continue to govern.

phil, New York, NY

how many journalists have been murdered in Russia over the past 7- 10 years?
excuse me but i seem to have lost count...........and it seems many western journalist also!

mike, oxford, uk

Russia is like a lone flea on a dog, slight irritation that can be eaten at anyime. Nato or the U.S. ought to shoot one of their ballistic missiles out of the sky durning these exercises in the Atlantic. Then Nato or the U.S. can say sorry, one of our missile defense computers calculated a threat by the Russian ballistic mssile and took defensive measures and shot it down, and show them how weak and irrelavent they really are.

The U.S. has enough oil to support itself for hundreds if not thousands of years (the U.S. has more oil than all of the middle east combined in just shale oil in Colorado and Utah! aside from the almost endless deposits in the gulf, along the coasts and up in Alaska), start drilling and exctracting and see how much power these tin pot dictators really have.

If every country was like the U.S.A. (and/or UK, France, Germany and a few others) there would be peace on earth!

Buzz

buzz, Colorado, USA

The moment the Chinese put one foot into Siberia, a region with low population density, Russia will come running to NATO for help. He should not play with fire. He needs to understand that waging war requires a strong economy and the Russian economy, at purchasing power parity, is lower than India and China's and only about the same as that of the UK. The days of Soviet glory are long past and he should grow up and co-operate with people, not try and push them around.
Peter M, Bath, UK

Peter Martin, Bath, UK

this is just election year posturing (Russian style)

john, columbus, ohio

Come on Hugh! Get real! Don't run America down! The problems with the Russians is that they still have all those nuclear weapons and probably germ and chemical weapons. They still want to be a major player on the international scene but their military is made up of a lot of old equipment and soldiers that don't want to be there. In any major conflict, they would be decimated and when that is aparent, they will quickly go nuclear. Then there are several other nuclear powers around the globe today that might feel the need to reciprocate. As far as Putin doing a great job, I don't think so! There has been a steady decline in the openess of their country since he's been in power! Democracy is on the decline. He is trying to take the country back to Soviet style government. They are allied with Iran and sell all kinds of military equipment to China. Now there's a nice thought! Russia, China and Iran against us! Keep your friends close and your enemies closer! Watch out!

Gerald, Rome, Georgia, USA

Who knows what Russia is up to. Putin is fully in charge. I think the Russian build up is actually due to the fact they suspect a nuclear attack will be launched on Iran by the west and/or Israel soon or perhaps against the Mountains of Pakistan. Therefore, when this happens, it pays to ensure the rest of the world, that you too have nuclear weapons as a deterent. We are just one more 9/11 away from a nuclear response. So Russia is getting ready for that to show they have a deterent. We are in a dangerous phase of globalism and there is a lot of fuel sitting around and kids playing with matches. For now it appears to be a deterent response.

Randy, Houston, TX

Putin's efforts are little more than propoganda, just a lot more expensive. I used to chase Bears during the Cold War, and the thought that these planes constitute some grand show of force is absurd. At it's prime, the might of the Soviet Union was based on two major areas: armored units and nuclear submarines. The first to roll over the enemy, and the second to prohibit resupply of that enemy. The weaknesses of Soviet armor, and the frivolity of counting on, have been shown again and again in the Middle East. American tanks and anti-tank units overwhelmed the best Russian-made armour. As for their nuclear submarine force, most of them sit rusting away at their piers, many sunken down to the conning towers. Putin's efforts are just a fading man's last gasp at trying to be relevant.

Bruce, Jacksonville, FL

Russia, providing construction help for Iran's nuclear plans, plus nuclear fuel, doesn't strike me as a responsible, respectible member of the world community! (Iran's leadership has gone on record multiple times about Israel's destruction. Deplorable, despicable, irresponsible from ANY country--and Russia supports them, including a recent alliance on radar protection.)

The U.S. went to the U.N. regarding the Iraq situation. Iraq defied U.N. sanctions repeatedly; continued to defy conditions placed on it BY THE U.N. ITSELF.

While I don't believe the U.S. fully succeeded in its Iraq mission, it did act to uphold the U.N. mandates which other countries, including Russia, backed away from.

Russia, under Putin, has gotten much more aggressive. "Democracy" is a subjective term; freedoms are squashed; political rivals are imprisoned or held. Russia wants to be a world power, then HELP countries with aid; stop acting irresponsibly!

Mikael, San Francisco, CA

If only western nations weren't oil addicts. So many of our troubles would just dissappear. Our countries should be investing heavily in alternative energies.

bryan, chicago,

Russia has been invaded by the west? Define west? Germany? Napoleon? Let's get real here, there is zero threat of a invasion of Russia in the 21st century.

Mr. Putin should reconsider what happens every time western tech goes up against eastern designs. The results are not pretty.

Drake, Knox,

Russia is more fearful of a rich and military powerful China eyeing their natural resource rich, population scarce, eastern Russia. The two have spared before over this area. They know the western democracy's are not a threat, it is just for show with China.

Dave, Fremont, CA

The Russian Navy is paint over rust.

Dan, San Antonio, USA / TEXAS

Since most of Western Europe is heated by the natural gas exported from Russia, I suspect the intimidation will work wonders on the USA's friends in NATO. The Russian military need not fire a shot to win Europe, just turn off the spigots.

Sam Deakins, Richmond, USA/KY

They can fire all the missles they want - we will simply pick them off with our air-borne lasers.

Don DeVan, Knoxville, Tennessee

If Putin thinks this impresses anybody he's not as smart as we'd hoped he was. Which is actually a bit more frightening than he intended.

Oh and for those people who like fantasy literature...."Daniel states"? - let's get up to date - what does Harry Potter say?

Clive S, Crowborough, UK

It's so funny to watch Americans throw fits: "Russkies are taking over the world!!!" over Russian routine military exercise. :)

Americans, stop meddling in everyone's business, get on with your own problems at home and don't let your Western/democratic/free/unbiased media distract you by whipping you into hysteria over some trivial matter.

Elena, Beds,

Russia is decaying, literally falling apart, they sincerely NEED their oil money because they have a big country to fix and it's going to cost a bomb ;)

Let them play their little games, personally I think we should just ignore their war games and let them get on with it. In fact, we should let them fly over our country in their bombers. What ARE they going to do? NOTHING!! Honestly, it's pathetic.

nathan, Inverness, UK

Are ya'll nuts. A friend of mine who is Russian said that the people want Democracy and are very unhappy with Puntin. Valdimir better watch out. Be careful what you ask for, you may get it. IE..... world attention. Oh, and btw there infrastructure is shot... I feel sorry for the poor average citizens.
As for Europe clean up your own damn messes. If you want to be liberal thinkers saving the world then get off you own asses and do something about the ills of the world, quit whining about the USA. We are tired of having to come "save everybody when a tsunami happens or what ever academic crisis Europe makes up, I have an idea send some you your young to Darfur. Come out of your dance clubs and put down the bongs and figure it out yourself. Look you either see the USA as your friend or your enemy. You can not have it both ways.

Diana, New York, NY, USA

It is interesting how many of my fellow Americans don’t understand that they are being fed lies by our own country and media. Russia is doing this in reply to us putting missiles on their borders it is tit for tat, And those that think that Russia is not a military force, our seriously mistaken. it only takes one bear with its nuke tipped cruise missiles to cause Armageddon they are not saying we can beat you they are saying quit being the aggressor or we will assure worldwide destruction.

Joe Smith, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING.......To celebrate, I think I'll put in my Dr. Strangelove movie.

M.J., Iowa, U.S.A.

Remember that Russia has Hydrogen Nukes in submarines aimed at Los Angeles, Washington, NY, Boston, San Diego, Seattle and hundreds of other locations in the US and beyond. They can be here in 15-25 minutes. They have the power to end the world as we know it in less time then it take for you to get to work, so I wouldn't laugh too hard at their old planes. They don't really matter except for show. We wouldn't fight them with planes or ships anyway, if it came to a fight.

John Roberts, Los Alamos, USA, NM

Notice they are operating off the French and Spanish coasts, not the US. The last thing they want is to tangle with the US using their antiques against our state of the art hardware. Send their poorly trained and equipped forces against us and it would be over quickly.

john Mckeown, Jacksonville, Florida

Code named the "Bear"..... I remember the day President Ronald Regan died, strangely enough on the same day a bear roamed onto the beaches of Jacksonville, Fl...... I thought that day as I do today, how appropriate. Russia is the Bear recorded in the prophet Daniel's vision, but the bear is not near as fierce as the Revived Roman Empire that is coming into power. I long for the day when weapons will be turned into farming equipment as states the monument outside the United Nations building. Quit flexing muscles and let peace be ours.

Randy Carson, Nahunta, Ga

It should be noted that when they speak of military spending , over half of our spending is on pay for the troops and over half of that is pensions ! china? no way ! Russia nyet !!

MAX, READING,

Truly amazing the level of ignorance towards Russia. Not a single of its exercises can seem to take place without being labeled "flexing military muscles". Funny how all other militaries around the world avoid such approach. And to claim their technology is out-dated - anybody know how long B52s been in service? Also, why is there such haste to incorporate all the former USSR allies into NATO? Whose the aggresor and war fanning paranoic party here?
The constant accusation of Russia reverting to Soviet ways - well hey, after the West never stopped the Cold War pursuit, gotta keep up with the Jones's.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander...

Paul, Portland, OR, USA

Yes, I'm sure less developed countries could never figure out a way to hit the Atlantic Ocean with a missile fired from a 30+ year old propeller driven bomber. I mean..think of it.....that Ocean's moving all the time. Hard to draw a bead on it. Impressive that they scored a direct hit. I'm also shivering in my booties when I hear that Russia does not rule out the first strike use of nukes. Bold move on their part. I'll bet they could hit that Atlantic with those missiles too. Probably the Pacific as well.

Randy, glendora, ca/USA

The Russians are playing an overly complicated and seemingly nonsensical chess game as usual that we cannot really figure out. I don't know if we should consider their acts to be totally 'unfriendly'. It could be that they are conducting tests in a visible area in which they feel safest knowing our relationship is at least as solid and vital as anywhere. American has a formidable offensive and defensive capacity but what country has the manpower and the motivation and possibly even a long term plan to seize and hold and occupy territory of a depopulated Russia?

terry, LA, usa

Wow! So many comments! And most of them are contradictional - why be afraid of russian fleet, if it is so small and old? But according to the article and the comments "the west" is certainly scared.
May be the reason is that USA has a lot of old (50s, 60s) weapons either? (Wikipedia)
And the UK has only 4 submarines with nuclear missiles with 3 of them being constantly repared? ("The Times").

Relax guys. That "show off" shows only the fact that Russia is not going to invade any country (like US or Germany with Hitler), and has the army enough to protect itself. So take your seats on the islands or behind the ocean and relax. But NEVER put your noses to Russia - you may have it cut.

Alexey, Moscow,

dear tobias, from houston, the mcarthy era is quite a long time finished

i'll tell you a secret-the reds aren't going to end the american people- shocking, eh?

james, london, england

Whether the Russian military is putting on a circus show or actually displaying some real threat is disputable and, quite frankly, irrelevant.

What is important and what ought to be borne in mind is that the current status quo should not be taken for granted. Those, who advocate a reshuffling of powers around the world, most notably hoping for US dominance to disappear, must remember that history itself indicates that power to decide the future of the world does not disappear, but merely passes from hand to hand. Should the US fail, who will take its place?

Gregory, London,

don't worry...
why should people be so agitated about Russia's exercises in international waters and international airspace (conducted with prior warning), i don't know. it's just hysteria whipped up by your media--on a mission to scare the public. The US fleets steam up and down the Hormuz straight on a daily basis, practically within meters from Iran's maritime border (and well within what would be its economic zone) but no-one is concerned.

Just ask yourself: why would Russia want to attack the West or anybody. What does the West have that Russia doesn't? Answer: nothing, not one little thing.

I just can't understand why the West and the US always think that somebody is going to attack or invade them. By and large, history seems to show exactly the opposite.

Max Pronin, Moscow,

Geoffrey, Madison Wisconsin you are misguided.Are you forgetting about the funky looking planes we have called the Stealth bomber? Dont kid yourself.If you think for 1 second we citizens know all of our militaries capabilities your not being realistic.There is a reason why our military only has 500,000 troops.Its because we have many more and much more dangerous weapons than any other nation.Thus we do not need as many foot soldiers as many of these wanna be nations.We have not even unleashed 1/100 of our military power in Iraq.If push comes to shove,trust me,between US,Britian,Australia and Canada,we can handle anything.This includes a BILLION screaming chinamen! Putin is a dangerous man,and we have humiliated him time and time again.Hes just craving the attention.Personally I am not impressed with a massive bomber still propelled by propellers.

Jeff, Columbus, OH USA

Heinrich
Pretty funny coming from a German . The indefensible acts you speak about are an offensive strategy in the War against Islamic radicals who want to kill you and me both , because we will not convert . We are the evil west and if you do nothing the Islamic radicals will come for you too. Face the facts , they have stated their goal of a World Wide Caliphate .
Remember also , we took care of your problem in Kosovo and Serbia . My Grandfather took care of your problem in WWI and my Father in WWII ......like it or not , the good old USA has saved your neck many times over .
Barry

Barry Dewalt, Arlington, Texas / USA

The Only reason the Russian Military would put on this Dog & Pony show is to distract the West from whatever other plan they are really wanting to execute. They want all of our space assets to watching them pull a Rabbit out of a hat, while they reshuffle their Nuclear Deck of Cards behind their backs. Anticipating their next trick to plan to play in us. Besides if the Russians have built a Mars Worthy Spaceship, who is to say that they haven't upgraded their Nuclear Bomber fleet as well.

NATO should immediately launch forces to counter these Provocative Moves by the Russians, and sink their Fleet, and shoot down their Aircraft, if Necessary. The Russians see the Lackluster NATO Effort in Afghanistan and they know that the American Armed forces are stretched and are is the Midst of an election, so this would be a Perfect time to hold these manuevers, and just test the Strenght of the NATO Backbone.

With Europe quickly seceding their Soveignty to ISLAM, maybe Russia should take it

Sonny, Chicago, Illinois

The world's leaders know what's coming, they are all high level freemasons. Putin is just preparing to play his part in the coming sporting event soon to befall the planet. I found this on the "overlords of chaos" website, which seems to be pretty informative regarding it all.

"The Third World War must be fomented by taking advantage of the differences caused by the "agentur" of the "Illuminati" between the political Zionists and the leaders of Islamic World. The war must be conducted in such a way that Islam [the Muslim Arabic World] and political Zionism mutually destroy each other. Meanwhile the other nations, once more divided on this issue will be constrained to fight to the point of complete physical, moral, spiritual and economical exhaustion … We shall unleash the Nihilists and the atheists, and we shall provoke a formidable social cataclysm which in all its horror will show clearly to the nations the effect of absolute atheism, origin of savagery and of the most bloody turmoil. Then everywhere, the citizens, obliged to defend themselves against the world minority of revolutionaries, will exterminate those destroyers of civilization, and the multitude, disillusioned with Christianity, whose deistic spirits will from that moment be without compass or direction, anxious for an ideal, but without knowing where to render its adoration, will receive the true light through the universal manifestation of the pure doctrine of Lucifer, brought finally out in the public view. This manifestation will result from the general reactionary movement which will follow the destruction of Christianity and atheism, both conquered and exterminated at the same time."
Albert Pike: letter to Giuseppe Mazzini, August 15, 1871.

ziggie stardust, Brussels, Belgium

It's very funny to see how much You Americans care about Russians. Didn't you call youself the biggest the most powerful one? Yes you did it all the time. But now your economics has a lot of problems and it was happened because of ONE war with small country as Iraq. That's what you can do now is to call Russia - NOT superpower, NOt strong enaugh and so on. It's perfectly shows that your car is broken and you dont want to step out to find out what's going on.

Common America no way go back to reality. Do not even dream about the war with Russia...

Mikhail, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Putins political methods will be laughed at 10 years from now...Russia will witness another revolution which will leave it a democratic economic tour de force. In 20 years we'll all be speculating over investments in Siberian property. The PetroEuro will help our alliance with Russia...China and India will fall in line...and the US will simply fall.

Maxim, London, London

What exactly is an 'outdated' bomber? Can MiGs not lock on to US bombers (with the possible exception of the Stealth)? Anyways, considering that NATO has expanded to countries bordering Russia, while the US plans to install missile shields in E. Europe, why is it wrong for Russia to conduct legal exercises in international waters? Yes, it's probably driven by the upcoming elections, but it's a mistake to view the exercises as a hostile act.

pk, London,

I am so bored with the right wing religious nuts who keep looking at 'prophecy' and 'news' and finding links. It's the religious nuts who will do us all in. Even 9/11 was a right wing religious action, just from a different fundamentalist view than most westerners!

Justin, Eugene, OR

Do you want to know just how much of a threat Russia is to the rest of the world? Note the percentage of the population that have been infected by HIV. Note the huge drop in life expectantcy. Note the continued lack of infrastructure to tie the country together.

Patriotism is always the last refuge of the scoundrel. When you can't feed them bread, give the circuses.

John Lawrence, Orlando, Florida, USA

@ Patricia, Staten Island, NYC
Hi,
France & Spain have nothing to say, this occurring in international waters and airspace, available to anybody.
USN & USAF can do the same as they wish.

Paul, Nice, France

Ahh good old america and the freedom the people enjoy there.

Now that the Patriot act is but a mere vestige, millions will be flocking to the states to taste the sweet sweet freedom in yankee land.

Btw, would be good to clear up the brainwashed yankees that the american forces did not liberate EU from the short evil man, but rather the 10 millions of russian soldiers or so who lost their lives while blasting away berlin.
Sorry folks...you never captured berlin. The ruskis did.

ave, London, U.K

To Val:

Interesting... Russians will scramble for western press tomorrow. That means that they have access to western press, doesn't it? Well, I know they do. Now, it does not really play with Putin-the-Terrible-controlling-the-press, does it? Similarly, most of the "military" arguments I read here are simplistic and amateurish. When Ramsfeld answered a soldier's complaint about bad supply of proper armour by saying: "You go to war with what you have not with what you might have" you say "Yeah, go brave marines!". When Russian navy exercises with what it has (which is more than democrat yeltzin had) simultaneously rebuilbing its army and navy, you say blood-thirsty tartars are back to old tricks. Weird logic

Andrej, Edinburgh,

You start seeing all this anti-Russian crap posted on pro Bush websites like Drudge when Bush has so many failures at home and aboard. What the Bush Recession?

Jerry feruson, New York, USA / New York

Oh no they did NOT just bring out their Tu-95s... I guess we'd better gas up the B-29's and get them airborne, so they don't think we've lost our technological prowess.

R. Foster, St. Charles, MO

So the Russians have old looking planes lets all laugh then look at the RAF,Nimrod,VC10,TRISTAR and TORNADO even the EUROFIGHTER is old technology but apparently they are modern enough to support the British forces in modern warfare.Maybe the old enemy hasnt gone away and the criminal lack of investment in HM Forces by both sides of the house is about to be proven to be a criminal act.

coldwar worrier, TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE

I do not think that Americans are being anti-American when they highlight things that are wrong with their own country. They do so because they care about their country and have the courage to speak out.

margie, victoria, australia

take a close look at the picture.... it is a TURBOPROP! when was the last time that the US used a land-based attack aircraft that was powered by a turboprop engine???? Wake up! I bet the Soviets built this stuff......you know how good their craftsmanship is (was). Is that all they got?? my guess that any real force on their part is years away.....

Carlos Blanco, Atlanta,

Don't you see what is really happening? The answer is simple. It is a sordid plot engineered by Bush to lead us into another war so his henchman Cheney can make more money and fund the vast right wing conspiracy. Ask any democrat. And their solution will be to raise more taxes in order to fund their new "Friends and Neighbors" approach to Russia, Iran, North Korea, North Vietnam, China and terrorists. Of course Kerry, Hillary and others like them will be more than happy to organize and lead the "change". You see, we brought it all on ourselves by prayer in schools. Right?

Robert, Phoenix, AZ

Is it just me, or has Russia begun to effuse an aroma of inconsequential?

"Look! We're important! Really. We are, too. Are so....aren't we?"

Kyle, Portland, OR, USA

To Vince of Philadelphia, calm down and take a realistic look at what you have been saying.
First, World War one began in June 1914 and finished in 1918. The US came into the war in1917.
World War Two began in 1939 and finished in 1945. The US came into it at the end of 1941, but only as a result of having their fleet attacked by Japan, at Pearl Harbour. In the meanwhile, American big business had been profiting from doing business with the Nazis. Indeed, without this help, Hitler would not have been able to go to war.
Look up US big business and the Nazis on the internet to see how far this went.

margie, victoria, australia

"Everything that fallen man creates, carries within it the seeds of its own destruction."

Josh, KS, USA

Russia is an old bear, Russia is a tired old bear, but remember, there is no bear that is not a formidable opponent! It doesn't make much difference whether the hydrogen bomb is a first or tenth generation, if it explodes, you're just as dead! I would take the old bear seriously, and watch her closely! As to those "valves", when that Russian pilot absconded with that Mig-25 Foxbat years ago, the West learned a valuable lesson from that "flying paper weight" as it was called, the Russians knew that their "valves" were more likely to function during a nuclear conflagration, than those "advanced" solid state systems of the West, something to do with the effects of nuclear radiation on solid state devices! We learned from the old bear on that one! We need to continue to watch and possibly learn more from, the old bear!

Robert DiStefano, Abingdon, MD

This is PR for domestic consumption. Russians crave recognition, respect, and fear they've lost since the fall of the USSR. The majority of consumers of this propaganda would be scanning foreign press tomorrow trying to gauge world's reaction. The more outrage this generates, the more they'll feel like the super power they once were.

With oil price as high as it is they can afford to put on such a show with some left for badly needed social programs. Unfortunately for Russians, the price for oil – the staple of their economy - will inevitably drop and that would lead to more dictatorial regimes trying to keep the country from breaking apart.

Val, Chicago, IL

This is PR for domestic consumption. Russians crave recognition, respect, and fear they've lost since the fall of the USSR. The majority of consumers of this propaganda would be scanning foreign press tomorrow trying to gauge world's reaction. The more outrage this generates, the more they'll feel like the super power they once were.

With oil price as high as it is they can afford to put on such a show with some left for badly needed social programs. Unfortunately for Russians, the price for oil – the staple of their economy - will inevitably drop and that would lead to more dictatorial regimes trying to keep the country from breaking apart.

Val, Chicago, IL, USA

Oh dear, just as the UK decides to have another "strategic review' of (what remains of) its armed forces.

By the way Whitehall, "strategic" means "relating to the gaining of overall or long term military advantage"and "forming part of a long term plan or aim to achieve a specific purpose" Concise Oxford : it does not mean what the bureaucrats think (and act as though) it means - cut costs regardless of the consequences.

So Russia is acting "strategically" and the UK is not.

And the last B52 was built in 1964....

Gerry Watts, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

It should be noted that "tactical" launches means simulated launches in Russian nomenclature - they're not firing missiles 'willy-nilly' into the Atlantic - they are taking all the steps to simulate firing their cruise missiles.

Special K, Glenwood, Iowa

The writer who commented on the political impact of hydrogen-based domestic energy has quite a point. It would re-configure a lot of the trouble areas in the world. After all, if the oil in Iraq was worth about $8.00 a barrel instead of a $100, the Sunnis and Shias would cease to have anything worth dying for, and no need for violent action. The problems aren't the 16 year old dolts blowing themselves up so they can play with virgins in Paradise - its the cynical manipulators who are seeking oil $$$ and the political power it brings.

John Shanahan, San Antonio, Texas, USA

as oil finds its way back down to 40 bucks a barrel russia will find its way back to the economic cellar.

Rich, as long as the world, and first of all China, needs energy so badly as now, and as long as the iraqui situation is so magnificiently messed up, thanks to GWB, the oil price will NEVER get back to 40, and this will be for a long, long time...(10 years ? Fine !)
Ah, there is also the gas, and the weapon...fine deals too...for you-know-who...

Leonard, alghero,

This should not come as a surprise to any reasonable thinking individual. America goes around the world setting up fires and creating destruction. What kind of freedom do dead souls need?, and how much freedom are we raelly talking about inside America?, It is a police state anyway. What do they expect Russia to do?, you're constantly prowling around this man's backyard, coniving with its neighbours, trying to plant explosives right outside his fences, forging alliances with his close, and far off relatives, creating divisions inside his home, just a total menace.
I think Russia, still a major force of military contention, had swallowed a lot from America's military provocation, and is responding in ways that seats well with hers, and any objective judgement on contemporary global trend on military ascendancy. This is the begining of another long prepareation of an explosive build up with dire consequences in a fast changing world. Too much freedom, is lack of security.

Blanshard Meheux, Freetown, Sierra Leone

For Tobias and the other gung-ho's: do you really think that a nation with 145 millions of people can seriously think to conquer THE WORLD (that is: China, India, the whole Europe, Africa and so on...) ? And that they NEED to do it ? They do not even want to bother again for Poland, Hungary and the rest of former soviet block, provided that NO ONE ELSE places dangerous toys down there . Russia has enough problems to solve before to THINK to be a menace for anyone on the Earth (but why be a menace when you can earn money -and influence- without it ?) . They have shown the flag quite far from home after a long while, "here we are", that's all . Do we have to be frightened by a nation that has ONE aircraft carrier ? And what about USA and its THIRTEEN (and some thinkers like...) ?

Leonard, alghero,

Perhaps they were hunting for U-boats returning to La Rochelle. I wouldn't worry about the Russians. The US will be joining them in Bankruptcy Court soon enough. The Republicans will have accomlished a great feat, driving the two Superpowers of the Cold War era into financial ruin. The rest of us are just, to quote Johnny Clegg,

"The Inevitable consequence of progress."

Richard, Belen/Bethlehem, New Mexico

3 points
1. Why didn't the RAF send up Typhoons ? Out of range ?
2. So the Russkis have outdated aircraft - RAF carrying troops in 42 yr old VC10's 40 year old and 50 year old designed NImrods (see accident report in Afghan crash last year about maintenance etc.,)
3. Russia doesn't have to wina a war to cause trubble.
4. Maybe I'm deaf ,but haven't heard much fom European / UK /USA pols, armchair generals about this exercise.

ziz, Rawtenstall, UK

I don't think the story is accurate and is just stiring up the pot. Show us a photo of a Russia Battleship, won't you?

Spencer, Berrien Springs, Michigan USA

For Luke (and Tobias):
"(...) Russia wants to control as much of the world's oil as possable (...)" (sic).

So, where's the difference with the US?

Claudio, Atlanta, GA, USA

I think the best way to deal with all enemies is in our constitution. Defense. It is funny how our media loves to take a story of military exercize and turn it in to War with Russia. Its disturbing who joins in the with them.

Donald Medlock, Nashville TN,

The truth is the US has unfairly treated Russia as a defeated power since the end of the Cold War. We have deployed missles close to their borders, interfered politically in the breakaway republics, and built scores of new bases all around them. Is it any wonder then that Russia is trying to assert herself? Putin's rule is consistent with the general pattern of autocratic rule in Russia throughout history. Why do we need to restart the Cold War? I say pack up the missles, close down the bases and leave Russia alone.

Cornelius Webb, Los Angeles, CA

The Russians are fearful of democracy entering Iraq. I'm no Bush fan, but things are looking (and getting) much better over there. 10 years from now, it will be a success. The Russians are pulling (and by show) defending another oil producing country to their side (Iran). We are doing the same with Iraq.

Mike Robbins, Charlotte, NC

Is it possible that Mr. Putin is so embarrassed by his failures that he feels compelled to rattle his sword?

Pat Mitchell, Aptos, USA/CA

It's obvious, isn't it? SOMEBODY is about to invade the Middle East:
- Pres. Bush gives Saudia Arabia smart bombs, and Isreal bunker busting bombs. Both Isreal and Russia have recently fired successful ballistic missiles.
- An unprecidented bunch of assassinations of top political and military leaders in the Middle East. That's always the first step of war, taking out the leadership, command and control.
- 3K Marines to Afghanistan, a "New offensive said to be immentant. We've pre-positioned all kinds of helicopters and the like there, anyway.
- We haven't taken the bait by Red China and engaged in wars of attrition in Korea nor with Iran (Yet), but they also haven't stopped their over-all, long-term agenda. They've tried, just recently, to crash our Dollar, our economy, our housing market, and our banks.
- They've completed the Three Gorges Dam, when it goes, so goes all their WALMART factories, and our own consumerist economy. Then they will push Iranians ahead of them...

rick hyatt, Saratoga, Wyoming

I agree with Kevin.May be Mr Putin want to show the miliary power of Russia to other countries, I can't agree to it.I think that it was show for voters on the eve of presidnt elections in Russia.

Evgeny, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Isn't the Bear Bomber based on B-29 technology with engine upgrades?

JohnO., Seattle, WA

The U.S. isn't the only nation with a 'pre-emptive' policy. Looks like NATO is doing some saber rattlin as well. Perhaps, behind the scenes and hush hush, the military leaders of Europe have more in common with their American counterparts than meets the so called main stream media's eye.

Check out this story:

Manifesto: NATO Must Strike to Stop Spread of Nukes

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,324648,00.html

peacethroughstrength, Sacramento, Ca

I'm surprised Russia is doing this to rattle the west. His country is 5 times the size of the United States and has a similar population with more natural resources. If I were Putin I'd be more concerned with my own backyard. China has less land, less resources but.. they have a huge population with a decidedly higher male to female ratio. Seems they could use what the Ruskis have and a small war that gets rid of a few males wouldn't hurt China in the least. Just a thought.

Jouxster, Bedford, VA

Stanley Kubrick's 1964 film - Doctor Strange Love.

Slim Pickens (Major Kong) "Well boys, I rekon this is it nuclear combat...toe-to-toe with the Ruskies".

Simon, London, England

Heinrich - this is a typical European answer. This is why your country is viewed as completely weak. You don't have to say it - I will.
Stop the anti-American rhetoric and get with the program.

Jelric -good ole USA

Jelric, Cleveland, Ohio

Lets see, if I had a time machine, I would take 2,000 Russian Bear H bombers back to Hitler in 1939, along with 20,000 antiship missles, and 10,000 T-55 main battle tanks. Oh what fun that would be........30,000 BMP infantry fighting vehicles.....

Martin Borman III, Tele Aviv, Israel

A month ago, I read a fascinating and uncannily accurate report from Robert Prechter's, (the financial guru of the '80s) company, Elliott Wave International about Russia's recent activity. The report is unmatched in its historical wisdom, and you would be hard pressed to find a better piece of liltereature to read if you have any financial or personal interest in Russia. I believe I've tracked down the link. Check it out here. *** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ***

http://www.elliottwave.com/wave/comm

Gary, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A

Mark Day from London,
don`t worry, Balkan is sick & tired of wars!!!

Cane kasapin, Nis, Serbia

Vladimir P is just throwing his toys out of the pram.

He's intimdating his latest contender with legal threats at home and wants to remind those of us overseas Russia still exists.

Don't think we shoud take this too seriously.

Interestingly, I could find no mention of this story on either the figaro or LeMonde in France nor much coverage on ElPais in Spain.
Let's not get carried away just yet...

Rob, Paris, France

For Harry in Pittsburgh, the Tu-95 BEAR H is a cruise missile carrier, capable of carrying up to 6 internal AS-15 nuclear armed missiles that have a range of almost 2000 km. In my mind, that makes the BEAR quite a capable offensive weapon. The platform isn't really as important as the missiles that it can carry and Russian missiles are very capable.

Rigge, Ottawa, Canada

ha ha ha ha ha, what a joke.

jackie, conyers, ga-usa

Who cares? The United States, China, Iran, India all do the same thing.

Don, Austin, USA

For those cheering Putin, just remember today's Russian exercises are tomorrow's Soviet backing in Europe and England for "freedom fighting" Muslim imports demanding partitions in England, France, Germany and Spain in their historic homelands.
Putin fully intends for a Russian Europe from Dublin to Moscow as he has sanctioned the Bolshevik party.
One would think the Polonium 210 nuclear attack on England would have woke up the mobs in Europe, but no they cheer.

Lame Cherry, Watertown, USA, NY

Back in the early 1970's - over 30 years ago - when my wingman and I were flying BARCAP off Vietnam in F-4 Phantoms we routinely intercepted TU-95's as they tried to approach our carrier air group. My RIO used to say they (the Bear Bombers) had the biggest radar signature he'd ever seen! We could lock them up tight with an AIM-7E Sparrow from over 20 miles away!) Had one of them ever made a hostile move we could have downed them in minutes. Never came to that. We'd politely escort them away, usually getting a couple nice pictures of each of us tucked up under their wing.

Unless they've developed some new, enhanced, super stealthy TU-95 variant even with the latest generation of cruise missiles it's still a pretty outdated platform.

aaron burr, Vancouver, Washington, USA

The Only reason the Russian Military would put on this Dog & Pony show is to distract the West from whatever other plan they are really wanting to execute. They want all of our space assets to watching them pull a Rabbit out of a hat, while they reshuffle their Nuclear Deck of Cards behind their backs. Anticipating their next trick to plan to play in us. Besides if the Russians have built a Mars Worthy Spaceship, who is to say that they haven't upgraded their Nuclear Bomber fleet as well.

NATO should immediately launch forces to counter these Provocative Moves by the Russians, and sink their Fleet, and shoot down their Aircraft, if Necessary. The Russians see the Lackluster NATO Effort in Afghanistan and they know that the American Armed forces are stretched and are is the Midst of an election, so this would be a Perfect time to hold these manuevers, and just test the Strenght of the NATO Backbone.

With Europe quickly seceding their Sovereignty to ISLAM, Russia should take over?

Sonny, Chicago, Illinois

Long ago we used to track the Bears with 1950s era radar that lit them up like a Christmas tree. Now they don't even know when the missiles are locked onto them. This has to be for internal consumption.

Bill, Portland, TX

Yes Putin will revitalize the Russian / former Soviet Union to a great army. However, I read the end of the book and his homeland will become a quote "lake of fire: end quote. So look forward to building your little army Putin, Just remember to put on sunscreen afterwards.

R. Baker, Shelby, USA/ AL

Putin is a genius! He knows what his people want, a strong leader with guts, no matter the level of technology. Russia is no ones enemy, nor is it a threat. Putin just knows his people, I wish the U.S. had a leader half as wise.

Paul K, Iowa City, Ia USA

I hear alot of people talking about the whole oil issue has anyone stopped to think what would happen to Russia or the middle east if the west just found another power source like hydrogen for example.

stacey, syracuse, ny

The article says , "Tupolev_Tu-160." which is not a turbo prop aircraft.

The picture in the article is misleading. The Aircraft is a supersonic, variable geometry, strategic heavy bomber.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-160

Ralph, okc, oklahoma

Good grief. I generally like Americans but some of the posters on this page defy belief. Russians taking over the world? How exactly? For one thing they don't have enough people - the population of Western Europe alone if about 350 million versus 130 million Russians - and then there is the population of the USA + Eastern Europe (who I'd like to think in the main don't want to see Soviet tryranny again). AND then the fact that that 'the West" still has enough nuclear weaponry to obliterate Russia and China several times over.

If there's anyone we in the free world should be worried about its the Russian people themselves. Worried FOR them and the cult of Putin that appears to be throttling anyone who dares to have an independent voice.

Miles, Havant, UK

Yes and I am taking my 1965 Pontiac out for a drive next Sunday. Makes me feel good too, but I won't be passing many cars in it.

Old Clunker, Sydney,

Interesting. And don't forget that the MOD said late last year that the Royal Navy couldn't fight even if it had to.

Harry, Pittsburgh, PA USA

What's interesting is the use of the "blackjack" bombers. They're based on the American B-1 and while they may not be as high-tech as some of ours they are designed as low-level penetration aircraft - essentially something designed to attack a prepared enemy. The Tu- 95 Bear patrols are hardly cause for concern, since the Tu-95 is a long range maritime patroller, not an offensive weapon.

No real cause for alarm, Russian politicians have always liked waving their flags around and letting everyone know they're awake - at the moment the effect is greater because of the humiliation of the last 15 years. Read Hans J. Morgenthau (Politics Among Nations) on "imperial policies" meaning trying to upset the status quo - it's an easy read and is a good explanation of what Russia is up to.

Thom Hutchins, University of Warwick, UK

Russia doesn't have battleships....no ones does exceot the retired U.S. Iowa Ships

jake, ramsey, mn

The Tu-160 is a modern supersonic, strategic heavy bomber.

alvin, Bartlesville, oklahoma

What happens when the EU minds work out an alternative to oil? Britain had coal and then came oil. In a world of change Russia should look to co-operation.

Andrew, London, UK

Ah!.... Just pinch the mouse that is trying to roar

Dennis Whizzard, Cincinnati, Ohio

The world was a better world when there was a Soviet Impire - the Balance Of Power on Earth is always a good thing.

Bassam, Corona, Ca

What a great time to be running down our own army and navy...

Rob , Birmingham, UK

Just when you thought the era of Great Leaders was over forever... Vlad Putin rises high above the decadent, degenerate, declining democracies. His timing is certainly perfect. He knows exactly what he is doing.

erik, new york , NY USA

Love the retro feeling of these planes and ships. All very Cold War in style. Pity that they should have weapons on board. These exercises in military might are of course mostly for domestic consumption - they always have been. Nearly every country with an armed force does this, with the exception of Tuvulu where it would make no sense at all - of course Tuvuluans are worried about more pressing matters such as the imminent disappearance of their island state. Perhaps instead of phallic displays of hardware, the old Cold War cronies should use their software to a better end -like saving our planet. One might also ask Putin to have better quality controls - I hear his next class of submarines Borei is being rushed through, and I hope they do not have the same fate as the Kursk. I believe everyone in the Baltic region would want assurances that they are fit to sail or is it sink?

Stephen Pain, Odense, Denmark

And to think a single F-22 Raptor could probably take everything they could put up in the air off the coast of France!

LarrY, Augusta, GA

Everybody in Russia knows that our Militaries and Navy is absolutely not enough to withstand a full-scale war against NATO: all they can do (and all we need them to do) is to hold a first blow and lend some additional time to out Strategic Missile Troops. And it is perfectly-well-known that only one possible scenario of Russia/NATO war is a massive ICBM-exchange, which only some africans and (maybe) couple of australians will survive in.
So don`t be silly - this exercise is not faced against you. It is all for internal use.

Peter, Vladivostok, Russia

I'm curious how long it will take China to annex Russia. Obviously the 250 million Russians really don'/can't properly utilize( and therefore don't really need) the vast natural recourses it has in it's country. And surely as former communists, surely they won't mind it if the Chinese people need those resources more. I mean what the heck, the Russians supported the Chinese take over of Tibet. Plus it is only a couple of hundred miles from 1.6 billion deserving people of China. If I were Vladimir, I'd start learning mandarin.

D Yohe, EVANSVILLE , USA/IN

Putin, wake up stop dreaming.

silas, California, USA

Wes

It is worth bearing in mind that the Nazis' most crushing defeats were at the hands of the Russians. Indeed, were it not for the Red Army the good ol US of A could be talking German!

J Hatton, Colombo, Sri Lanka

lol

as oil finds its way back down to 40 bucks a barrel russia will find its way back to the economic cellar.

putin and friends stole most of the fast money they made on the oil windfall.

the rest of the economy is based on hyper inflated moscow real estate.

rich, new york, ny

Putin has rolled back human rights and democratic reforms in Russia to the detriment of the Russian people. He has surrounded himself with powerful friends from the Soviet era and installed them in high places in government. His government seized control of Russia's largest oil company for itself and prosecuted former owners on bogus charges. In the U.S., Lukoil and Valero are Russian owned oil companies that are sucking billions of dollars out of gasoline hungry America to fund the Russian military build up. Russia has every right to hold military exercises, and no matter how old and in disrepair people may think their forces are, they are still a very formidable threat, especially if you consider they could align themselves with Communist China if they perceived the west as hostile towards their interests.

P Kennedy, Pottstown, God Bless The U.S.A.

A lot of comments were written about Russians games in Bay of Biscay. So it can be assumed that this kind of news attracts no less than other world stories, especially at times of uncertainty concerning gas and oil. They may be rusty, ships and planes, but they still fly and float. As long as Russia has gas and oil they will continue flying and floating. There’s nothing to be done about it. Just take it as reality.

Boris, Moscow, Russia

To Michael, living in Bergen,

It is the height of arrogance to assume that because someone isn't well-traveled, that they don't know about the world.

Russia as a government has made it clear that they will suppress democracy, and Putin will still be in power, even if he is no longer President. He will be Prime Minister, which still has enormous sway politically.

As for traveling to the nations that are our enemy, who? Cuba? Fat Chance! Iran? If you don't get shot on sight for being an American. North Korea? Not possible.

As Americans, we take a stand against tyranny, we don't run from it. We don't hide under the term "neutral" while we watch other people die because of our isolationist mentality. We aren't Switzerland, and thank God for that.

Dave, Seattle, USA

To the likes of Vince and Tobias living in the USA,

I congratulate you in having started to observe the international media, and engaging in international forums. This is the first step that will, hopefully, broaden your horizon, giving you an understanding of the real world that your domestic media will never provide.

The next step is to get a passport and start travelling to places that your regime is referring to as evil, rogue or whatever. (Or to any other country for that matter) This will help you understand that the large majority are normal, peace-loving people, making an honest living, not terrorists and potential enemies. This includes the Russians.

Michael, Bergen,

There's a lot of Americans commenting here, many not quite appreciating a key point: it's very important not to think of Putin as a sort-of "Bushski", but to get inside the guy's head without assuming he's thinking as an American would. Russian society and Russian politics are more of a different world than most Americans appreciate. So the significance of this show cannot be divined by thinking "what would one or our leaders mean by this gesture?".

I don't think the USA has much to worry about from Russia (unless the US chooses to pick a fight), but Europe should be getting twitchy as Russia flexes its muscles on its borders and becomes an increasingly important energy supplier.

Sam Centipedro, Shropshire, England

Putin may "sable rattle" all he likes and think he is invincible all he likes. However, I don't think he's that stupid. He only does this to try and impress his own, the Russian, population. Like the Chinese, most are unable, if not fearful or just not interested, in finding out the truth. Just happy to believe whatever is thrown at them - like it has for decades of Communism in both Countries.

Putin making a big show of his Army/Navy etc. might may look good in the eyes of the Russian population but to me, it shows desperation. Off course he wants to be Prime Minister - hence choosing such a weakling as his predecessor who cannot but make him so.

I do believe his KGB mentality makes him think he is powerful. Again, though, who in the Western or Asian world, in their right minds, would want to invest a penny or cent in such an unpredictable country. Hold the world to ransom by witholding energy - not a smart move to say the least. Military exercise? Bit of a joke!

LT, Warminster, UK

Hmmmmm. Sounds like some Canadians are jealous of the good ol' USA. Maybe it is time to make them a 51st state. All countries are not equal, and the only reason why Canada and multitudes of other nations are still in existance is because of the USA. Think!!! Without the USA, good ol' Canada would be speaking German.

Wes Masterson, Spokane Valley, WA

The separation b/w the Chinese and the Russians in the early '70s was fortuitous. Pray they continue to be rivals. Have no doubt, though, who is hte most potent potential partner in an Asian alliance. Chinese dependence on our well-being (through investment in debt instruments) is the silver lining of what is otherwise a very dark cloud. There's a new tide to float our boat.

Neil, Pittsburgh, PA

I'm not afraid in the least. The Russians didn't drop bombs off the coast of the United States of America. They dropped bombs off the coast of the Spain and France. I say let the European Union deal with the issue on their own. Hopefully they have enough "soft power" stored up to deal with a behemoth like Russia. As for Oleg in Canada. I will say to you that not all countries are equal. If that were the case you wouldn't have such venom to spew at the one country known as the U.S.A. that has weilded such a great degree of power against the group of weaker nations surrounding it. I am not saying it is right but I am saying that your statement regarding national equality is incorrect. To say that all counttries are equal only gives false hope to the weaker nations which compose the majority of the planet. It is false hope that keeps them on their backs to be beaten instead of on their feet to fight their oppressors. The USA gives Canada security by proxy. Be thankful Oleg.

William Nester, Royal Oak, USA/Michigan

The bear is a slow but dangerous animal, her attack and defense is loud and scary expecting reaction. The eagle flys fast and in silance with percise acururcy requesting nothing, but feeds the many.
Thank you America, we free owe you our freedom.

Kios Uzedaski, Ulso, Poland

Quote:"All you anti-Americans out there better pay heed. You may not want "another America" but let me tell you -- you won't know what true tyranny is until the Russians and Chinese rule the world.

..............

I hope all the naieve anti-Americans of the world wake up because the day is coming when loudmouths like them will be swiftly put to death by the Communists. They serve their purpose now, but that will not always be the case. "

By Tobias, Houston, USA

I want to say that you are naive instead of anti-Americans.China has no intention to rein the world or pose a world war.
You are a typical American who has prejudice towards China.

Joen, Shenzhen, China

This, I am sure, is Putin's way to test Western resolve. Surely this will be the first of many 'incursions' carried out by the
Russians in the coming months, at a time when the West
is bracing itself for recession and a new American president
is about to be elected.
What perfect timing, for Moscow to turn the screw on Washington and her allies', when they are at their most
weakest and vunerable. In the current political and economic
climate, one false move by Moscow or Washington could
have the potential for something even more dangerous.
Mr Putin, you are a proud man, a proud Russian! I hope you
know what is in store for your people if your warmongering
backfires.

james, lady lake, usa, florida

Thier power (Russia)has become a mirage,thats why they have come out to be seen,to make the world think otherwise.But,with 80% of the world thinking the U.S. is bad,the U.S. should pull back thier infuence and let the world see what happens when evil men have thier way with the powers they wield.Its the only way they'll know.
The FOAB is a pointless weapon,it serves a purpose that other more economical and deliverable weapons serve,its just bravado.If we went chasing them after every rustling of the leaves we wouldnt have money to develop what matters.Let them blow what little currency they have on thier big hats,and keep our guns pointed straight at thier head.

robert, Los Angeles, USA/Ca

"Uh, any of you characters who belittle the bear of Asia ever heard of their Sunburn missiles? Study up before you shoot off your mouth, fingertips, whatever. Not so antiquated as you wishful thinkers would have it. No one has any way to defend from them. Nada, zip, zero."

Wrong...Defense against the Sunburn is called the rolling airframe missile. Fire and forget, specifically designed against seaskimming supersonic cruise misslies like the Sunburn. If a Russian ship takes a at a US Navy warship, it had better hit the target on the first try. That's all they will get.

Sunburn has never been used in combat conditions, so nobody even knows if it will work.

rd, SC,

DK, Singapore

You would be wise to reflect on the fact that the USA's use of 2 atomic bombs saved millions of Japanese lives.

Before you have the typical knee jerk reaction of the extremely ignorant, realize that the display of overwhelming force allowed the Japanese military & political command to surrender without loosing face. The planned invasion of the home land would have been a blood bath with civilians attacking US army tank divisions with pitchforks.

The bombs saved lives !!!!

Daemon, NYC, NY

We did use nuclear weapons first, and stopped a World
War in the process. I would have used them in Korea before risking one American life, but the country shied from doing so on account of some national wish to remain humane. I experience no such timidity, and don't give a tinker's dime what other nationals think of me or mine (such is the way of empire) Some chap typing up critiques of the USA while lounging in Singapore, experiencing no Japanese hegemony or being a "Tibet" of China's has tremendous nerve. I wouldn't expend any treasure to assist you and shut our economy off from you pirates. THEN you could taste a world without us, chump. Not to worry, nobody listens to me or my fellows, and these neo-con, cowardly, Bush-bot weenies that run America actually care what you think...... for now.

Lewis Field, Von Ormy, USA, TEXAS

And France and Spain are ok with this?

Patricia Torres, Staten Island, New York, USA

I wonder how many antiques they had to scavenge in order to put together a few planes which could fly? I don't think I'd like to be a test pilot ordered to fly a stitched-together Backfire quite that far.... Are they still flying on valves, or have they upgraded to solid state yet? Come to think of it, it sure would be embarrassing if Russia lost part of its fleet simply by putting it to sea. Hope those tugs stand ready.

I'm going to have to dust off my red-cover copy of "Soviet Military Power" circa 1988 just to see what they're flying now a days. That's some ancient history.

Come on Putin, it's not like Russia landed on the Moon or accomplished something difficult to show off to the masses. This hardly rates a yawn, even with "full combat loads." Gee whiz. Get a life. Do something meaningful. This display really is pretty pathetic in terms of accomplishment - unless the accomplishment was getting all this ancient hardware working. Their I'll have to hand it to you.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

It must be nice to have so little competetion for Iran's oil.

max.mage, Hayfork, CA

All of this after Tony Blair and Bill Clinton squandered the two mightiest forces in the free world.

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

[[ Us Americans will be living in the real world making others free with our not your blood.

Vince, Philadelphia, USA PA ]]

Easy tiger. Don't get carried away. I am not sure how you related the Russians trying to earn respect for themselves to you Americans being the angels safeguarding the world. Never use the point about you guys being saviors - you have caused more problems then solutions.. be it Korea, Vietnam, Afganistan, Iraq or the Middle East. Also ONLY the US has actually used the N-bomb - guess in trying to get people to 'bow when an American walks by'. Get over it, you are headed for recession. Take care of the economy, don't start anymore wars. Its not the time after the WW2 anymore. The world has matured, you guys should too.

DK, Singapore, Singapore

Hopefully the U S Navy won't be to far away in case any of those old Russian boats spring a leak or those old planes run out of gas and need reccue!

Bob , Portland,

Uh, any of you characters who belittle the bear of Asia ever heard of their Sunburn missiles? Study up before you shoot off your mouth, fingertips, whatever. Not so antiquated as you wishful thinkers would have it. No one has any way to defend from them. Nada, zip, zero. "No one" includes the ultra expensive U.S. military that can't even control Baghdad. Remember the head of Iran (not the president everyone loves to hate) who made the remark about turning Tel Aviv into a glass parking lot in a few minutes? He knows about the Sunburns. I suspect the less political of our military do too. The ones not shooting off their mouths, Bush style. The Times does not have a monopoly on what should be known.

Tony B., Altus, US

What seems to be a problem? Russia has the same right to conduct naval exercises as USA and Britain. Yes, it has developed various defence platforms and has to train its military to use them. For some reason nobody protests when USA sends its carriers all over the world. Readers from USA please remember that you don't own the planet Earth. In fact all countries are equal, USA included. In the past 10 years USA has became delusional of its own power, so when Russia shows its modest navy and a couple of bombers everyone starts panic. I find it useful for USA to remember that it can't bully every country into submission. These exercises is a useful signal to USA not to forget that there is one country in the world that still can destroy. Another point is that many are still under illusion that US is "on the good side". US only cares about itself, this is opinion of 80% of Earth's population. So please stop this propaganda against Russia. First look at US image in the world, it's negative.

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

A) I suspect the individual who mentioned this is Putin's way of influencing the election is at least partially correct. He may be angling at building a national pride the country hasn't had for many years.
B) Likewise the aircraft, etc, is old, but, still a weapon to at least keep track of. Remeber, if they can come in low and take out radar with the equivalent of HARM missles, they can move about, drop their payload, etc with the eye of the sky blinded. I would do this as a diversion while making a major move into the oil areas of the gulf.
C) I would be more worried about their actions (along with China in concert with Iran, etc) towards the oil/gas supplies. Those that hold these hold the West by the ... never mind... ???spheres???.
D) I also agree with above that national respect could be gained through internationally responsible actions. Personal power would be gained through Russia's alone actions.

Wes Byrd, Iowa City, Iowa USA

Be careful what u wish for democritus.

30+yrs ahead of us with the next generation after atomic - scalar/power weapons. (The US shut the only thing similar - HARRP - years ago)

They have also just developed and successfully tested in December the FOAB to counter Americas MOAB bomb used during the Shock and Awe Iraq campaign.

Putin has explicitly expressed his wish to build another Russian Empire. Never mind the cabal on energy supplies.

I've got to agree - I'm afraid - with Tobais with the current world outlook (perhaps not immediately, but long term).

Glen, Workington, Cumbria, UK

Hienrich from Berlin, you sound like a frightened animal. You should not talk about lashing out with a huge fist after the last World War. You started it. Also, you misspelled indefensible.

Dan, Boston,

It is amazing that the rest of the world likes to bad mouth the USA. An inferior country like russia is trying to defend their involvement and support of the new axis of evil. (north korea, and iran). However, when and if russia decides to attack who will the world turn to for help? When the world needs money or any support they always turn to the USA. Sadly many people will run to their aid as if they always supported us. Perhaps the next time a dictator tries to take over the world we should sit and watch. We are the world power. Thank your lucky stars that we do not use it as we are always accused. Or you would all bow when an American walks by. It may not be fair but it is fact. If you do not like it maybe you should do some more drugs and make your own peace world. Us Americans will be living in the real world making others free with our not your blood.

Vince, Philadelphia, USA PA

Battleships??? Battleships?? What's the matter with you people? Russia hasn't had battleships since before you were born!

john winston, fairfaa, va

Bravo Vladimir Now he should park the navy next to the balkan coast to support the serbs if kosovo tres to declare independance

Mark Day, London,

don't worry.

I'm sure we'll be all over them like a rash.

Just our opportunity to learn what the're up to/what we're up against..........

democritus, aylesbury,

Kevin, from Boston, There is nothing wrong with being patriotic.It is when you defend the indefencible acts commited by your country that it all starts to go wrong.Just because a man has a huge fist, it does not mean he should use it to punch a percieved enemy. Lashing out like a frightened animal is no way to carry on.

Heinrich, Berlin, Germany

All the posts have it wrong.

Putin is doing this for internal consumption. In the coming elections he wants his nominee for President to win so that he can become Prime Minister.

There is no other reason. He knows that NATO saw a lot of this equipment in better repair decades ago.

Marek, London,

All you anti-Americans out there better pay heed. You may not want "another America" but let me tell you -- you won't know what true tyranny i