Russia to let U.S. ship arms across its territory

Published: Friday, July 3, 2009 10:26 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

MOSCOW — Russia said Friday it will allow the United States to ship weapons across its territory to Afghanistan, a long-sought move that bolsters U.S. military operations but potentially gives the Kremlin leverage over critical American supplies.

The announcement by a top Kremlin aide came ahead of President Barack Obama's visit to Moscow next week, when the deal is expected to be signed during a summit aimed at improving the nations' strained relations.

Russia's concession on arms shipments also came as the Obama administration is shifting the U.S. military's focus from Iraq to Afghanistan, where a massive American offensive is currently under way in Taliban-controlled areas of Helmand province.

Russia has been allowing the United States to ship non-lethal supplies across its territory for operations in Afghanistan, and Kremlin officials had suggested further cooperation was likely.

Kremlin foreign policy adviser Sergei Prikhodko told reporters Friday that the expected deal would enable the U.S. to ship lethal cargo and would include shipments by air and land.

He said it was unclear if U.S. soldiers or other personnel would be permitted to travel through Russian territory or airspace.

"They haven't asked us for it," he said.

Story continues below

The normal supply route to landlocked Afghanistan via Pakistan has come under repeated Taliban attack, and the U.S. and NATO have been eager to have an alternate overland supply route through Russia and the Central Asian countries.

Confirmation of such a deal appeared aimed at setting a constructive tone for the meetings between Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday and Tuesday. After years of increasing strain, both governments have expressed hope the summit will put ties between the former Cold War rivals back on track.

Military analyst Alexander Golts, however, said the U.S. should be under no illusion about Russia's intentions. Although Medvedev has set a warmer tone in relations with the West, his predecessor, Vladimir Putin, retains considerable power as prime minister.

"The least impression you should get from this is that Putin's foreign policy style foresees gestures of goodwill," Golts said.

The Russian leadership still has the mindset of "19th-century Realpolitik" and seeks the ability to hold its partners "by the throat," he said.

"If something goes wrong in Russian-U.S. relations, this transit will cease as quickly and suddenly as it started," Golts said.

While Russia has stressed a willingness to work with the West to bring stability to Afghanistan, it has shown that it can use its clout in the former Soviet republics of Central Asia to hobble U.S. efforts.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

Utes not changing anything for BYU

teaching ute fans to use a computer? Wow, things have changed! Utah has...

I attended both shows and believe me when I say that it was indescribable!!...

Great, great family. And Jane Breinholt was a true inspiration to me growing...

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. John was a wonderful individual. One...

Respect to all the schools and games but what about the Fremont vs. Viewmont...

Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies

We have known the Jone's family here in Stansbury Park for a number of years...

Boys basketball rankings

I heard that the Sophomore Class for WJ was pretty good. I am sure that they...

Makes one appreciate Stockton even the more.

Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies

God is our refuge, a very present help in trouble.

Letters: Why sex-ed debate?

re: Define comprehensive About making generalizations. Do you know...

Advertisements