The United States and Poland have officially signed a deal to set up a US missile base in Poland, despite deep opposition from Russia. Under the plan, the US will place ten interceptor missiles just eleven miles from Russia’s westernmost border. Russia had warned Poland that by signing the deal it is making itself vulnerable to attack, even a nuclear one. Earlier today, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice defended placing the missile system in Poland.

Condoleezza Rice: “This is a system that is defensive and is not aimed at anyone. It is nonetheless a system that establishes firmly again and reaffirms the strategic cooperation, relationship and friendship between Poland and the United States.”