Priority Target for Destruction’: Russia Issues Chilling Warning Over US Base in Poland

On Thursday, Russia issued a threat to target the newly opened U.S. ballistic missile base in Redzikowo, Poland, with "advanced weapons." The base, part of NATO's missile defense system, became operational on November 13. "Given the nature and level of threats posed by such Western military facilities, the missile defense base in Poland has long been included on the list of priority targets for potential destruction, which, if necessary, can be carried out using a wide range of advanced weapons," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, as reported by Reuters. The Redzikowo base is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, likely prompting Zakharova’s specific mention of "advanced weapons." According to the New York Post, the base is a component of NATO’s “Aegis Ashore” missile defense shield, which can intercept short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Zakharova also argued that the base destabilizes the region and heightens nuclear risks. "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," she said. "It undermines strategic stability, increases strategic risks, and ultimately raises the overall level of nuclear danger." Poland has rejected these accusations, insisting the base is purely defensive and does not house nuclear weapons. "It is a base that serves the purpose of defense, not attack," said Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski, according to the New York Post. "Such threats will undoubtedly justify strengthening Poland's and NATO’s air defenses and should also be a consideration for the United States." The Russian warning came shortly after Moscow launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) strike on a target in Dnipro, Ukraine, on Thursday. This followed U.S.-backed Ukrainian strikes on Tuesday and U.K.-supported Ukrainian strikes on Wednesday.