Nikonov said Russia's response might be to put multiple warheads on its newest generation of strategic missiles.

CNN: Bush to quit ABM treaty Thursday

America would be concerned, argues Mr Nikonov, if Mexico and Canada were to join a military organisation led by Russia.

ECONOMIST: Russian worries about Western encirclement are premature

"Anything that would keep Saakashvili further away from the instruments of power is a plus for Russian-Georgian relations, " said Vyacheslav Nikonov, deputy head of the Russian parliament's international affairs committee.

BBC: Georgia election: US and Russia hail parliamentary vote

Piffle, says Vyacheslav Nikonov, a Kremlin-friendly political analyst.

ECONOMIST: Russian politics: Vladimir who? | The

Two top advisers to former Russian President Boris Yeltsin -- Sergei Karaganov and former Duma member Vyacheslav Nikonov -- told CNN Tuesday that Secretary of State Colin Powell told Russian President Vladimir Putin of Bush's intentions following meetings this week in Moscow.

CNN: Bush to quit ABM treaty Thursday