Polish minister voices concern at Russian missiles in Kaliningrad
PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk
08.10.2016 16:01
Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz expressed concern on Saturday after reports that Russia is deploying ballistic missiles to its Kaliningrad exclave between Poland and Lithuania, a move confirmed by Moscow later in the day.
Antoni Macierewicz. Photo: mon.gov.pl
On Friday, Estonian media reported that Russia was shipping Iskander-M nuclear-capable ballistic missiles with a range of 500-700km to its Kaliningrad exclave.
"The Russian Federation’s recent actions give cause for utmost concern," Macierewicz said of the reports.
"We are taking all reports into account, including those about the possible presence of Iskander missiles (…) in the Kaliningrad area," he added.
He said that the situation has been monitored for some time and that Poland has been taking steps, including in cooperation with allies, to make its armed forces ready to monitor and guarantee the security of Poland and its allies.
Later on Saturday, the Russian ministry of defence confirmed that Iskander ballistic missiles have reached the Kaliningrad region "as part of routine manoeuvres".
"These missile units have been deployed [in Kaliningrad] more than once (...) and will be deployed as part of the military training of the Russian Armed Forces," Russian defence ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said in a statement. (mol/pk)
Source: PAP