Russian President warns of new cold war over missile defense, keeps Russia guessing about whether he or PM will run in next year’s election

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday warned the West it would face a new Cold War if it failed to address Russia's concerns over a proposed missile defense shield for Europe.

Speaking in the first broad-ranging press conference of his three-year presidency, Medvedev told reporters that the US decision to push ahead with construction of the missile defense system despite Russia's objections will force Moscow to take retaliatory measures. "We would then be talking about developing the offensive potential of our nuclear capabilities. This would be a very bad scenario."

The Russian leader also reaffirmed any earlier threat to pull out of the new START disarmament agreement that entered into force this year if the missile shield is deployed and operated without the Kremlin's input. "This would be a very bad scenario. It would be a scenario that throws us back into the Cold War era."

Medvedev said he understood the United States' argument that the shield was not aimed at Russia but rather nations such as Iran. But he argued that such nations do not yet have the capacity to launch nuclear weapons at the West. "That means it is aimed against us," said Medvedev. "And if not, invite us to cooperate" in the shield's deployment and operation, the Russian leader said.

Meanwhile, Medvedev kept Russia guessing about whether he or Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will run in next year's presidential election but promised a decision soon. "To announce such a decision, formats different from a press conference should be chosen," Medvedev, looking relaxed, told the news conference. "When I feel like making this announcement, I will make it," he added.

Medvedev declined direct comment on suggestions that he might dismiss Putin's government but, in a response to a separate question, said no one comes to power forever. "People who have such illusions usually end badly," he highlighted.

Asked about his relationship with Putin, he said they knew each other well, were like-minded and close in strategy. "But that doesn't mean we agree on everything. It must not be that way, that would be very boring and simply wrong," he said.