**US Opens Air Defense Base in Poland**
The US has opened a new air defense base in northern Poland. The facility is part of NATO‘s missile defense shield system and aims to protect Europe from potential missile threats.
Located near the Baltic coast, the Redzikowo base was built with construction starting in the early 2000s. It forms part of NATO’s “Aegis Ashore” missile shield, which also includes sites in Poland and Romania, US Navy destroyers in Spain, and an early-warning radar in Turkey.
**NATO Response**
Former Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described the development as an important step for transatlantic security and NATO’s ability to defend against ballistic missiles. He emphasized that missile defense is essential for NATO’s core task of collective defense.
The opening ceremony was attended by Polish President Andrzej Duda, who reiterated that the physical presence of the US in Poland guarantees the country‘s security and the eastern flank of NATO.
**Mixed Reactions**
The opening of the base has been met with mixed reactions. Some are concerned about the US commitment to collective security after the election of Donald Trump, while others view the situation optimistically.
Polish leaders believe that Trump’s presidency could be beneficial for bilateral relations, according to Mateusz Mazzini of Polish Gazeta Wyborcza.
**Russian Response**
Moscow has criticized the base, calling it a direct challenge to its security and an attempt to militarily contain Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that this step would lead to the adoption of appropriate measures to ensure parity, but did not elaborate on what those measures might entail.
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