The standard propaganda line in Russian diplomatic and military circles is that
1) Missile defense cannot work
2) Therefore, it is a cover for offensive weaponary.

So despite the intelligence that the Russians have about the Patriot system, it is served up as an offensive system, “provacative”, and the Russians will respond with something “non-diplomatic”.

I would cast my eyes south to Cuba or Venezuala.

Nuclear IRBM’s in Venezueala? How would the rest of the South American nations react to that one? Chavez might get unpopular real fast, or then again, the groveling might begin.