There was more than a whiff of the Cold War about Vladimir Putin's announcement this week that Russia would beef up its nuclear arsenal, putting more than 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles into service this year. The move follows a proposal from the United States to increase its military presence in Nato countries in eastern Europe. Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has described the Russian plan as "unjustified, destabilising and dangerous" nuclear sabre-rattling and Washington warned that it could breach nuclear disarmament agreements. Mr Putin made his announcement at a military theme park outside Moscow that has been described as Russia's military Disneyland, and there is a make-believe quality to his rearmament plan. A steep fall in the price of oil and a corresponding drop in the value of the rouble has left Russia strapped for cash. Mr Putin may not even be able to afford to fund the weapons programmes he had already announced last year.
For its part, the West may have the financial wherewithal to expand its military footprint in Nato's eastern European states but there is little popular support for any military confrontation with Russia. Nato powers were never likely to intervene militarily in defence of Ukraine, which is not a member of the alliance, despite Russia's aggression and its illegal annexation of Crimea. But western governments could also face an uphill task in persuading their electorates of the need to fulfil their obligation to come to the aid of eastern Nato states in the event of an attack from Russia. A poll published last week by the Pew Research Centre found only tepid support in many Nato countries for fulfilling their Article 5 commitment to defend eastern Nato states. In Germany, France and Italy, there were clear majorities against taking such action.
Russia and the West are working together on many diplomatic issues, including the nuclear talks with Iran. Instead of rattling their sabres, they should use diplomacy to ease tensions in eastern Europe, offering reassurance and security to both Russia and its neighbours.