[單字] Moscow's growing influence over NATO

upset

When Bush calls for the former Soviet republics of Ukraine and Georgia to be admitted to Membership Action Plans, putting them on the track towards admission into the alliance as a reward for their progress in building democracy, the reaction of France and Germany is that this would be a step too far in upsetting the balance of power.

veto

In effect, say potentially disappointed suitors like Georgia’s President Mikhail Saakashvili, they are handing Russia a veto on NATO membership.

reckon

missile defense plan, which involves the installation of bases in Poland and the Czech Republic, they have made clear they don’t reckon it worth upsetting the Kremlin further on this issue.

summit

And this NATO summit is a clear measurement of how far he has succeeded.

rightful

Putin’s aim throughout his years in the Kremlin has been to restore what he sees as Russia’s rightful place at all the top tables, an ambition in which he has been aided enormously by Russia’s growth as an energy producer.

successor

But the now retiring president (and soon-to-be prime minister to his successor Dmitry Medvedev) would be delighted how often the phrase, "But how will Russia react?" comes up in behind the scenes discussions both in NATO and the European Union.

predecessor

He believes that his bibulous predecessor Boris Yeltsin effectively "gave away the shop" in the 1990s.

bibulous

He believes that his bibulous predecessor Boris Yeltsin effectively "gave away the shop" in the 1990s.

pact

But the country which once used to dominate and run the rival Warsaw Pact is nevertheless having a crucial influence on the deliberations in Bucharest of the 26-nation alliance.

deliberation

But the country which once used to dominate and run the rival Warsaw Pact is nevertheless having a crucial influence on the deliberations in Bucharest of the 26-nation alliance.