Russia has issued stark warnings following the opening of a new American air defense base in northern Poland, claiming it's been added to their list of potential nuclear targets and that it escalates the risk of global conflict.
The facility, located in Redzikowo near the Baltic Sea coast, opened November 13 as part of NATO's broader missile defense system. It's designed to intercept short and medium-range ballistic missiles, but Moscow sees it differently.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the base a "provocative step" that undermines global strategic stability. "This leads to increased strategic risks and, consequently, raises the overall nuclear danger," she declared, warning that the Redzikowo facility has already been added to Russia's list of potential military targets.
The base is part of the "Aegis Ashore" system, which includes installations in Poland and Romania, supported by U.S. Navy destroyers based in Spain and an early warning radar in Turkey. This network forms NATO's comprehensive missile defense shield, designed to counter ballistic missile threats.
Meanwhile, Zakharova indicated Russia's willingness to consider peace initiatives with Ukraine, but only if they "respect the situation on the ground" - a thinly veiled reference to Russia's territorial claims.
The development marks yet another escalation in tensions between NATO and Russia.
Kikar Shabbat contributed to this article.