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Monday, 23 December 2024
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Rising Russian Tensions with NATO Following the Opening of a Missile Base in Poland
روسيا والناتو

Amid escalating tensions between Russia and NATO due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has intensified following the U.S. decision to allow Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russia, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the opening of a new American missile base in Poland.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova described this move as provocative on Washington's part, warning that it increases nuclear risk. She also stated that the presence of NATO forces on Ukrainian territory signifies the beginning of war against Russia.

Additionally, Zakharova criticized Moldova's attempts to align with NATO, indicating that the leadership in Chișinău seeks to turn the country into a logistical base supporting Ukrainian forces. She emphasized that many Moldovan citizens oppose this alignment while the government continues its pursuit of being a reliable partner in the alliance.

Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, tensions have risen between Russia and NATO, which has supported Ukraine with weapons and equipment and endorsed its bid for membership, a move that Moscow has repeatedly warned against.

NATO bases are spread across several countries bordering Russia, heightening Kremlin concerns, with approximately 9,000 troops stationed in both Estonia and Latvia, and 20,000 in Lithuania. Over 130,000 troops from NATO countries are present in Poland, with around 25,000 in Hungary, 80,000 in Romania, and 27,000 in Bulgaria.