Interview with Pyotr Belov

Pyotr Belov, aide to the President of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems, joined RT to comment on the U.S.-Russian dialogue on anti-missile defence and its possible results.

Mr Belov believes the implementation of President Putin's proposal could have different results for Russia and the United States. “Both countries are now entering a pre-election phase. That is why, I think, at the beginning, some positive, reassuring statements for accepting Putin's proposal will be made. Then it's very probable that the military – and they are more responsible for ensuring national interests – will explain that this decision is not in the U.S. interests but is more beneficial for Russia. So the process could drag on. Most likely, the United States will carry on with its plans to place a radar in the Czech Republic,” the expert said.

Pyotr Belov thinks Iran’s reaction to the U.S.-Russian dialogue may be more radical towards the U.S. rather than towards Russia. “I think that U.S. suspicion that Iran poses a potential threat is far-fetched, I don't think that Tehran could gain the capabilities needed within the next five years. I think Iran's possible reaction to the Moscow-Washington dialogue on anti-missile defence could be reservedly reproaching towards Russia, and more radical towards the United States,” he noted.

The expert thinks the Gabala plan is more convenient for Europe. “If the United States agrees to Putin's plan to jointly use the radar in Azerbaijan, it will lose an opportunity to control possible launches of Russian missiles and waste time. In this case the placement of anti-missile defence system elements in Poland would make no sense. As for Europe, the Gabala plan would provide better safety,” Mr Belov stressed.