Russia has revised its nuclear weapons doctrine in response to Ukraine being permitted to launch missiles supplied by the United States onto Russian territory. Among the potential targets is the American missile defense base in Poland, a development that retired General Roman Polko discussed with Fakt. "I would be surprised if it wasn’t on their priority list," he commented.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, specifically named the missile defense base in Redzikowo, Poland, as a potential target for a Russian nuclear strike. Moscow views the base as a threat to "strategic stability," despite its stated defensive purpose. Russian officials see the facility as a tool of U.S. power projection in Eastern Europe and have labeled its construction a provocation.
The Redzikowo base is part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, a U.S. initiative designed to bolster NATO's defenses against potential missile attacks, particularly from countries like Iran. Its primary role is to intercept ballistic missiles. General Polko emphasized in his discussion with Fakt that Zakharov’s statements are part of a broader Russian effort to intimidate Western nations with the specter of nuclear escalation.
"This is a campaign to spread fear," Polko stated. He linked Russia’s nuclear rhetoric to recent events, including Thursday’s ballistic missile attack on Dnipro, which involved an intercontinental missile designed for nuclear warheads. He argued that these actions aim to pressure the West into negotiating peace on Moscow's terms rather than supporting Ukraine with confidence.
Polko also highlighted the robust defensive measures in place to protect facilities like the Redzikowo base. These include multiple layers of air defense designed to counter potential threats. "Such facilities are high-value targets," he explained. "But for that very reason, they are far better protected than others."
He warned that Russia’s broader strategy includes not only military aggression but also efforts to undermine the economic stability of its adversaries. This makes infrastructure like Baltic ports equally vital and necessitates their protection. "The Kremlin will exploit every opportunity to weaken its opponents," Polko concluded.
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