TODAY: Medvedev speaks of NATO threat and announces rearmament plan; US panel underscores need to fix relations with Russia; Moscow pledges support for Afghanistan; Olympic woes; Sochi elections; Yevloyev death to be investigated; South Ossetia lacking aid.

At a Defense Ministry meeting this morning, President Dmitry Medvedev claimed that NATO is continuing attempts to broaden its military infrastructure towards Russia’s borders, and used the claim as justification for a new military rearmament plan to increase ‘the combat readiness of our forces’, which will commence in 2011.  A panel of former high-level US diplomats and members of Congress is urging the US to seek Russia’s cooperation on Iran, saying it should not proceed with a missile defense system in Europe without Moscow’s acquiescence.  Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has emphasized Moscow’s willingness to support international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan.