A few days ago Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said, “Strategic missile defense plans may set off a confrontation in the Asia-Pacific Region.” This statement, with its relatively harsh tone, led some to wonder what Russia wants in Korea, and also ponder the motives behind the statement itself – which in fact follows the well-established Russian stand on the issue.

Still, contrary to frequent talk of a “resurgent and assertive” Russia, in Northeast Asia there are few signs of Russia’s re-emergence as a major player. Moscow would like to promote its security interests in the region, but it lacks the will to seriously invest in such aims.