2024-11-21 14:59 update: 2024-11-21, 15:04
Fot. PAP/Adam Warżawa
The US missile defense complex in Redzikowo, northern Poland, has long been on a possible target list, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry has said.
Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that the opening of the Redzikowo base represented "yet another overtly provocative action" and that it "fits into the long-standing trend of relocating NATO infrastructure closer to the borders of Russia."
She accused the United States of "exerting American influence" over regions distant from its borders. She further stated that the initiative was "intended to apply pressure on Russia and other nuclear powers."
Zakharova also said that the move was contributing to an increase in strategic risks and would elevate the nuclear threat level.
If required, a strike on the base could be executed using the latest military technology, she added.
In response, Pawel Wronski, the Polish foreign ministry spokesman, told PAP the installation was strictly for defence purposes.
He remarked that in light of new Russian threats, NATO would have to fortify the air defences of its eastern flank.
The purpose of the installation was "to defend against ballistic missiles, particularly from nations categorised as 'rogue,' which operate under a policy of incessant threats, asserting intentions to invade others and perceiving such acts of political aggression as a legitimate means of conducting politics," he said. (PAP)
stm/jch
