ABM Issues – again

I found this on the BBC web-site and it made me think about the whole ABM thing:
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The latest experiments conducted by the US indicate that the technology is viable.

Russia cannot possibly match the technology in kind, and is aware that any sort of military response would probably not be in the country’s interests.

What seems much more likely is a concerted diplomatic effort to bring home to Washington just how unpopular the US plans are with its allies abroad.
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Is the technology really viable? Not long ago it looked many years off. Are the Russians really so far behind? Surely with their excellent SAM and ABM technology (S-300/400 series) they are well placed to develop further, more comprehensive equipment (obviously financially they are in no shape to do this).

Your thoughts on all ABM related topics are most welcome.