Polish Redzikowo residents stand firm despite Russian missile threats
The mayor of the Redzikowo commune told us that the residents have already become accustomed to the threats made by Russian officials. Recently, they threatened that the well-known American missile defence base would be "added to the list of priority targets for potential destruction."
- We treat the American base like a good neighbour, and Russian threats won't change that. There is no panic, nor should there be. Certain concerns might linger in the back of our minds. However, we understand these statements are propagandist in nature - said Barbara Dykier, the mayor of the Redzikowo commune.
Adjacent to the town is an American Air Force missile defence base and NATO European infrastructure.
Russian threats for over 15 years
The mayor recalled that at various stages of the installation's development, since 2008 (the signing date of the international agreement), Russia has issued similar threats. - I remember this back in 2008; I was working at the office then. Of course, today we are concerned about the geopolitical situation. A war is taking place just beyond the Polish border. However, as a community, we have already moved past the information campaign and discussions around concerns for our safety. Redzikowo is the safest place in Poland, protected by NATO forces and systems - the mayor added.
She emphasized that she regularly speaks with the base commander, but the conversations do not centre on security, but rather on cooperation. - As neighbours, we are very close. The residents living nearest to the base have a somewhat military character - summarized the mayor.
The Kremlin doesn't relent on the base issue
As we have already reported, Russian officials recently intensified threats regarding NATO infrastructure in Redzikowo. A few days ago, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the newly opened missile defence base "has been added to the list of priority targets for potential destruction." She added that the installation contributes to a higher level of nuclear threat.
At the same time, Vladimir Putin approved changes to the nuclear deterrence doctrine, involving a reduction in the threat threshold at which Russia might use nuclear weapons. According to the doctrine, the launch of the base in Redzikowo could be seen 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 issue in Redzikowo. 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. Just as importantly, we take our commitments to NATO allies extremely seriously. This is undeniable, and it will not change - Kirby declared.
