Cliff Schecter notes that Putin has escalated:

In an interview with the Globe and Mail, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to target Europe with missiles, including potentially nuclear weapons, in a dramatic escalation of his Cold War-style showdown with the United States.

Mr. Putin, in an interview at his summer residence outside Moscow, said he considers U.S. plans to build an eastern European anti-missile site to shoot down Iranian missiles a provocation aimed at Russia.

The US has been baiting the bear for a long time now. The only thing that's remarkable is that Putin was this patient. The missile defense systems are a clear provocation and clearly aimed at Russia. America has been interfering far, far too much in Russia's sphere of influence, and this is one of the consequences. America doesn't have any good will in Russia. None. Zero. Nadda. The "shock therapy" and the "color revolutions", NATO "expansion", and all the other bullshit that's been pulled in countries right on their border made sure of that.

Nota bene: For critical background on our relationship with Russia the last few years listen to this podcast interview of Ian and I with Anatol Lieven. ~spk