Pressing issues of defense policies pursued by Russia and the USA are discussed. Contingency of a fundamentally new approach to nuclear security problems have emerged in the moment when START-1 run of validity is expiring. Any discussion is useful if the both parties have equal interest in it. Dialogue of Russia and the US is not only possible but it is urgent. Particularly in the context when these powers continue to present each other as potential enemies. The new strategy of mutual security which has been recently proclaimed as an innovation project is to be greeted. Thereat Russia cannot reduce its nuclear capability down to a dangerous minimum. This edge must not be transgressed. One has to make advances to the partner’s initiatives with open eyes and clear understanding that under no circumstances any detriment to Russia’s own security and strategic interests cannot be made. Now, after the US initiatives related to ABM defense deployment in the West one should remember about internal contradictions that affect behavior of the «old Europe» elites and those of Eastern Europe. The issue of strategic expansion of NATO and prospects of this alliance remains to be of current concern. What does NATO want to be?