The beginning of the Aegis Ashore rocket base in Redzikov, located in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, is an crucial component of the American rocket defence strategy in Europe. The base, officially inaugurated with the participation of Polish president Andrzej Duda and representatives of the USA and NATO, raises concerns in Russia. According to Kremlin, this infrastructure is an effort to halt Russian military potential, which has sparked strong opposition and the announcement of retaliatory measures.
Russian concerns about the shield in Redzikow and Kremlin statements
The spokesperson for the Kremlin Dmitri Pieskov expressed clear criticism of the base in Redzikov, assessing it as part of Russia's containment strategy. He stressed that the improvement of American military infrastructure in Europe, especially as close to Russian borders, poses a threat to national security. In his opinion, specified military installations in Europe are the consequence of the U.S. efforts to balance or exceed Russia's military potential.
Mr Peskov recalled that Russia had previously expressed concern over plans to build anti-missile bases on the European continent, arguing that the threat from Iran, which was officially the pretext for establishing these bases, was questionable and insufficient to justify specified actions.
As he added, the first warnings from Moscow against U.S. plans of this kind came back during the presidency of George W. Bush erstwhile Vladimir Putin actively opposed the expansion of the US rocket defence strategy in Europe.
NATO rocket shield. Strengthening safety against threats from the mediate East
An American base in Redzikov, equipped with Aegis Ashore system, which aims to neutralize possible ballistic threats, mainly from Iran. The shield besides includes a akin base in Devesel, Romania, radar located in Turkey and a command centre located in Germany. According to NATO and US representatives, this strategy is not aimed at Russia, and its main task is to defend Europe from threats from the mediate East.
American officials have repeatedly stressed that the Aegis Ashore system, based on Aegis rocket technology, is defensive. The shield is designed to capture short and average scope ballistic missiles and neutralize threat in the event of a possible attack. During the beginning ceremony, U.S. representatives stressed that the base in Redzików was intended to strengthen the safety of the east NATO flank and to defend allies from possible risks, mainly from Iran.
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The future of Russia's relation with NATO
The beginning of the rocket base in Redzikow may lead to further tensions between Russia and NATO. Russia sees this as an extension of American military presence and a step towards greater control of the region. The Kremlin warns that it will respond to actions aimed at maintaining a military parity, which could mean expanding Russian military possible in the western regions of the country or developing modern defence systems.
For Poland, Aegis Ashore's base is simply a strong alliance with NATO and the US, a symbol of safety in the face of regional threats. At the same time, it is simply a reminder that the current geopolitical situation requires strategical caution and dialog to avoid escalation in the region.
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