Barack Obama's decision to scrap plans for a missile defence shield yesterday triggered dismay in central Europe and among Republicans on Capitol Hill, amid claims that it amounted to a major security concession to Russia.
Unveiling one of the biggest reversals on national security since coming to office, the US president said he would scrap predecessor George W. Bush's plan, deploying instead a new system that could intercept shorter-range Iranian missiles.
“This new approach will provide capabilities sooner, build on proven systems and offer greater defences against the threat of missile attack,” Mr Obama said, abandoning plans for ground-based interceptors in Poland and a related radar site in the Czech Republic.