The standoff over U.S. plans for a missile shield in Eastern Europe continues to intensify. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the U.S. policy was akin to “diktat” and “imperialism.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Some members of the international community have a desire to dictate their will to everyone on any issue, without coordinating their actions with common norms of international law.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice responded to Putin during a visit to Germany.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: “Democratic institutions and an open society are not a source of weakness. Nor is freedom of speech and freedom of the press a nuisance. They are pillars of modern society. When we differ with Russia, we will consult, we will address their views seriously, and we will express our own views candidly. In that regard, I have to tell you that I find Russia’s recent missile diplomacy difficult to understand, and we regret Russia’s reluctance to accept the partnership if missile defense that we have offered.”