Russia has issued a stern warning to its NATO adversaries, notifying Poland it’s on its list of nuclear targets, just as tensions reach new heights with the first-ever intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) strike against Ukraine.
The Kremlin’s latest rhetoric centers on the U.S. missile defense base in Redzikowo, Poland, which has drawn sharp criticism from Russian officials.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, declared that the Redzikowo base is now a “priority target for potential nuclear attacks” by Russian forces. She accused the U.S. installation of escalating nuclear risks, stating, “The opening of the American anti-missile defense base in Poland leads to an increase in the level of nuclear threat. It’s a provocative step on the part of Washington.”
Zakharova emphasized that this base, located near Słupsk in northern Poland, is part of NATO’s broader strategy to encroach on Russia’s borders, undermining global stability. She elaborated, “This practice projects American power thousands of kilometers from U.S. territory to pressure Russia and other nuclear states, raising strategic risks and the overall nuclear threat.”
The Redzikowo base, inaugurated last week, represents a major U.S. military investment in Poland. Equipped with long-range radar and interceptor missiles, it became operational in December 2023 after years of delays. The facility’s mission is to shield the U.S. and its allies from intercontinental missile threats, cementing its role as a key NATO asset in the region. The opening ceremony saw high-profile figures, including Polish President Andrzej Duda and U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski, alongside representatives of the U.S. Army.
In a dramatic turn of events, Russia’s condemnation of the base preceded an ICBM strike on Ukraine, a historic and alarming escalation. Although the missile carried conventional warheads, its use underscores the rising stakes in the conflict. The strike, targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, marks the first time an ICBM has been employed in active warfare.
Zakharova’s comments, coupled with this unprecedented military action, signal a dangerous new chapter in the already volatile standoff between Russia, NATO, and their allies.
