Redzikowo in Poland stands strong amid renewed Russian threats
The mayor of the Redzikowo commune told Wirtualna Polska that the commune's residents have become accustomed to Russian officials' threats. Recently, these officials threatened that the American missile defense base in the area would be "added to the list of priority targets for potential destruction."
3:18 PM EST, November 26, 2024
- We treat the American base like a good neighbor, and Russian threats won't change that. There is no panic, and there can't be panic. Certain concerns are somewhere in the back of our minds. However, we are aware that these statements are propagandistic in nature - said Barbara Dykier, the mayor of the Redzikowo commune, to WP.
Next to the town is an American Air Force missile defense base and NATO European infrastructure.
Russian threats for over 15 years
The mayor recalled that at various stages of the installation's development, starting from 2008, the date of the signing of the international agreement, Russia used similar threats. - I remember this from back in 2008; I worked at the office then. Of course, today we are concerned about the geopolitical situation. A war is taking place right beyond the Polish border. However, as a community, we have already moved past the information campaign and discussions around concerns about our safety. Redzikowo is the safest place in Poland, protected by NATO forces and systems - the mayor added.
She emphasized that she regularly talks with the base commander, but the conversations focus on cooperation, not security. - As neighbors, we are closely bonded. Especially the residents of the neighborhood closest to the base have a certain military character - summarized the mayor.
The Kremlin doesn't relent on the base issue
As we have already reported, Russian officials recently intensified threats related to NATO infrastructure in Redzikowo. A few days ago, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the newly opened missile defense base "has been added to the list of priority targets for potential destruction." She added that the installation contributes to an increased level of nuclear threat.
Simultaneously, Vladimir Putin approved changes in the nuclear deterrence doctrine, which involve a reduction in the threat threshold at which Russia may use nuclear weapons. According to the doctrine, the launch of the base in Redzikowo may be interpreted by Russians as "the encroachment of hostile military infrastructure towards the borders of the Russian Federation (...), which can evolve into a military threat."
A voice from Washington. "Joe Biden is rock solid"
John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, addressed the Redzikowo issue. He confirmed that the American side does not underestimate Russian threats regarding an attack on Polish territory. - We have seen these comments, and obviously, such threats must be taken seriously, and we do. Regardless of how reckless and irresponsible they are, we, of course, take them seriously - he assured.
- President Biden is rock solid on this issue. We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our soldiers on the European continent. And just as importantly, we take our commitments to NATO allies extremely seriously. This is undeniable, and it will not change - Kirby declared.
