An Interesting speech from Russian President Vladmir Putin at this year's International Security Summit in Munich..
Vlad has made statements that can only be interprete as an attack on the US, saying that Americas 'almost uncontained' use of force around the world, has fuelled the threat of a nuclear arms race. Vlad has called the US approach to world affairs 'very dangerous', a statement which makes one think Russia is ready to take a more assertive role in determining world opinion on the various conflicts the US, and indirectly, Britain, are involved in..
Vlad told senior security officials from around the world that nations were "witnessing an almost uncontained hyper use of force in international relations".
"One state, the United States, has overstepped its national borders in every way.."
Western leaders in the audience, including Angela Merkel, looked decidedly glum-faced when President Putin had finished.. Earlier, Angela told delegates there was "no way around" the need for Tehran to accept demands from the UN and nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"What we are talking about here is a very, very sensitive technology, and for that reason we need a high degree of transparency, which Iran has failed to provide, and if Iran does not do so then the alternative for Iran is to slip further into isolation..".
But, the speech by Vlad took the wind out of many sails.. and could well signify a more assertive stance by Russia in international matters..
Russia's oil agreements with China could well be the driving force behind this change in attitude by Russia, as Russian oil flows more and more freely into China.
It is a situation the US will have to take interest in, for the last scenario the US, or indeed the Western nations want, is for Russia to take a stand in the Middle East, and North Korea..
This could signify yet another split between Russia and the West, and indeed, with the oil and gas reserves Russia controls, it could indicate a future in which the West may be forced to take a stance against China.
That, is the last thing the West needs..