Hey, Hillary and Joe? I don’t think the reset button worked exactly as you had planned.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said Moscow will begin a comprehensive military rearmament from 2011.

Mr Medvedev said the primary task would be to “increase the combat readiness of [Russia's] forces, first of all our strategic nuclear forces”.

Explaining the move, he cited concerns over Nato expansion near Russia’s borders and regional conflicts.

Last year, the Kremlin set out plans to increase spending on Russia’s armed forces over the next two years.

Russia will spend nearly $140bn (£94.5bn) on buying arms up until 2011…

President Medvedev’s remarks also appear significant for what they say about the diplomatic game between Moscow and the new administration in the United States, says the BBC’s James Rodgers in Moscow.

Both sides are looking for a solution to issues – such as US missile defence plans in Europe – which bitterly divided the Kremlin and the White House during the Bush administration. Neither, though, seems willing simply to abandon previously-held positions, our correspondent adds.

So, uh, when exactly does this “smart diplomacy” we’ve been hearing about start? So far we’ve gotten snubs to the British and Brazilians, Iran as determined to obtain nuclear weapons as ever, North Korea prepared to launch a satellite, and Russia rearming itself. I’ve got to tell you, I’m not feeling the hopenchange.

Via HAH.