Russia threatens Poland over NATO’s missile defense base expansion
Photo: Russia threatens Poland over new NATO base (Getty Images)
The spokesperson for Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paweł Wroński states that the NATO missile defense base in Redzikowo, Poland, is purely defensive despite provocative statements from the Russian Federation, according to RMF24.
According to Wroński, the base is designed to counter ballistic missiles, particularly those originating from rogue states. These are countries that build their policies around constant threats to others.
"These nations declare they intend to attack others and believe that political banditry is their way of conducting politics," he emphasized.
In his view, if Russia resumes its threats, the US and NATO will need to strengthen air defense across the entire eastern flank in the future. This could include expanding the capabilities of the base in Redzikowo, a plan already mentioned by Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Wroński noted that there is a broad consensus in Poland—among citizens and all political factions — that NATO's eastern flank must have the best possible air defense.
NATO base in Poland
About a week ago, the US Aegis Ashore missile defense base was inaugurated in the northern Polish village of Redzikowo. At the time, former Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski explained that the idea for its creation came from former US President George W. Bush. However, construction began during Barack Obama’s tenure, continued under Donald Trump, and was completed under Joe Biden’s administration.
Yesterday, Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that his ministry is negotiating with NATO leadership to expand the scope of the Redzikowo base, which currently focuses on missile defense.
Today, the Russian Federation threatened Warsaw with "potential strike."
"The missile defense base in Poland has long been added to the list of priority targets for potential strikes, which can be ensured, if necessary, by a wide range of the latest weapons," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
