TODAY: Medvedev begins official campaign, emphasizes continuity of power. Poland reaches missile agreement with United States; Russia may withdraw offer. Nashi denies imminent demise. More on the “new Cold War” – the West is already losing, apparently. Russia’s presidential election campaign has officially begun, with first deputy prime minister Dmitry Medvedev as “the clear favourite to win”. United Russia has revealed that it will give Medvedev its backing. Speaking publicly this weekend, Medvedev emphasized the continuity of power and promised to continue subsidies for farmers. Former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov will appeal to the Supreme Court over his disqualification from running in the election. Following news that Poland said it had reached an agreement “in principle” with the United States on plans to install a missile defense system on Polish territory, Russia has hinted that a proposed deal with the US over the use of Russian radar stations as an alternative to building part of the system in eastern Europe now may not be reached. In a new military cooperation pact “certain to irritate Russia”, the United States promised Kazakhstan to help it bring its armed forces up to NATO standards.