Russia has issued a sharp warning targeting the newly opened U.S. missile defense base in Poland, threatening its destruction with "advanced weapons." The base, located in Redzikowo near the Baltic coast, serves as a critical part of NATO's missile defense system, known as "Aegis Ashore," which is designed to intercept short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
"This is another frankly provocative step in a series of deeply destabilizing actions by the Americans and their allies in the North Atlantic Alliance in the strategic sphere," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday. She argued that the base would "undermine strategic stability, increase strategic risks, and lead to an overall rise in nuclear danger."
Zakharova added that the Redzikowo facility has been identified as a target for potential strikes. "The missile defense base in Poland has long been added to the list of priority targets for potential destruction, which, if necessary, can be executed with a wide range of advanced weapons," she stated.
The U.S. base became operational on November 13 and is part of a broader NATO missile shield that includes installations in Romania, Spain, and Turkey. NATO and Polish officials emphasize that the system is purely defensive.
"It is a base that serves the purpose of defense, not attack," said Pawel Wronski, a spokesperson for Poland's foreign ministry. He dismissed Moscow's threats as an attempt to justify aggressive rhetoric, stating, "Such threats will certainly serve as an argument to strengthen Poland's and NATO's air defenses, and should also be considered by the United States."
Tensions between NATO and Russia have escalated further following Ukraine's deployment of U.S.-supplied missiles to strike targets within Russian territory earlier this week. Moscow responded by warning that such actions could lead to significant escalation, with officials suggesting the possibility of global conflict.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the city of Dnipro on Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the missile's characteristics. "Today there was a new Russian missile. All the characteristics - speed, altitude - are (of an) intercontinental ballistic (missile). An expert investigation is currently underway," he said in a video statement.
The missile reportedly originated from Russia's Astrakhan region, located approximately 435 miles from Dnipro. When questioned about the launch, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm or deny the use of an ICBM, advising reporters to direct inquiries to Russia's military.
The Redzikowo base represents a significant advancement in NATO's missile defense capabilities. However, its activation has further strained already tense relations between the alliance and Moscow. NATO has maintained that the Aegis Ashore system is designed to protect member states from potential missile threats, particularly from nations like Iran, and does not pose a threat to Russia.
The Kremlin remains unconvinced. Russian officials argue that the base is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. and its allies to undermine Russia's security and strategic deterrence capabilities. "This leads to undermining strategic stability," Zakharova said, calling the facility a "dangerous provocation."
Poland, alongside its NATO allies, continues to assert that the base is not equipped with nuclear missiles and is strictly defensive. However, Russia's pointed rhetoric has heightened concerns about the increasing militarization in Eastern Europe and the potential for miscalculation.
As NATO expands its missile defense network and Russia doubles down on its threats, analysts warn that the region is becoming a flashpoint for potential conflict. While both sides publicly commit to maintaining stability, their actions signal a growing divide in trust and cooperation.
