A “sharp deterioration in relations between Moscow and Western states” is concerning German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the April 30 EUobserver.com reported.

Reacting to news that Russia intends to suspend a key arms treaty, Steinmeier has “warned of a risk of a new East-West conflict.”

Russia wants to suspend the arms treaty because the United States is moving ahead on its plans to build a new missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic.

Moscow has also stepped up rhetoric against the West by condemning EU member Estonia, a former Soviet republic, for removing a Soviet World War ii statue in Tallinn. EUobserver.com reported:

Although the tone has sharpened up in the last few days, the rift in East-West relations comes in the context of more long-term problems including EU worries over energy dependency on Russia, Russian trade relations with some Eastern European EU states and Western criticism of Russia’s democratic standards.

A week preceding Steinmeier’s comments, the EU trade commissioner said that Europe’s relations with Russia “had sunk to levels not seen since the Cold War.”

Tension between Greater Europe, particularly Germany, and Mother Russia has been a catalyst for two great world wars. While the two powers have historically sought treaties with each other, these treaties have been scrapped as one or both empires grew in size and influence.

We may very well see a pact being formed once again between these two entities in the near future as a precursor to greater conflict between them. The current tension is indicative of the underlying hostility that will ensure such a non-aggression pact will not last.

For more on the global conflict that will ensue, see our article “Dangerous Liaisons” and our January 2004 cover story, or request our free booklet Russia and China in Prophecy.