Russia labels US missile defense site in Poland a ‘priority target’ amid rising tensions
Russia has declared the US missile defense base in Redzikowo, northern Poland, a „priority target,” amid escalating tensions in the region.
The Redzikowo base.BBN/twitter.com
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued the warning on Thursday, claiming the base contributes to heightened nuclear risks.
Meanwhile, Polish officials insist the installation is strictly defensive and aimed at countering threats from „rogue states.”
’Provocative step’ by NATO
Zakharova condemned the base’s launch as a „provocative step” by NATO, accusing the alliance of pursuing a strategy to expand military infrastructure closer to Russia’s borders.
She also accused the United States of using the installation to „project American power” and exert military pressure on Russia and other nuclear-capable nations.
„This leads to increased strategic risks and elevates the overall nuclear threat,” Zakharova stated. She warned that Russia could potentially target the base with advanced weaponry „if necessary.”
Poland defends Redzikowo base
Responding to Zakharova’s claims, Polish foreign ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński said that the Redzikowo base is purely defensive.
„Its purpose is to intercept ballistic missiles, particularly those from rogue states that base their policies on constant threats and aggression,” Wroński told Polish state news agency PAP.
He dismissed Russian allegations that the base houses nuclear weapons as „absurd” and highlighted Poland’s and NATO’s commitment to collective defense.
„If Russia continues its threats, NATO will need to strengthen air defenses along the eastern flank to make such threats infeasible,” Wroński said, adding that Poland supports any measures to bolster NATO’s air defense systems.
NATO milestone
The base, located in northern Poland, was officially launched on November 13.
Managed by the US Navy, it is a key component of the American European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA), which contributes to NATO’s integrated air and missile defense system.
The facility is designed to protect the United States and its European allies from ballistic missile threats, primarily from Iran.
Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has hinted at possible future upgrades to the installation, a move supported by a broad political consensus in the country.
„There is widespread agreement in Poland that NATO’s eastern flank deserves the best possible air defense,” the Polish foreign ministry’s Wroński said on Thursday.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP
