Russia Deploys Nuclear-Capable Missiles In Kaliningrad
MEP: Russia has deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in its western-most region, Kaliningrad, near its border with the Baltic countries and NATO member states, the country’s Defense Ministry said.
Russia moved missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons into Kaliningrad, an Russian coastal enclave nestled between Poland and Lithuania. The Iskander missiles have a range of 450 miles, meaning they could hit Berlin if launched from Kaliningrad.
“These missile units have been deployed more than once (in the Kaliningrad region) … and will be deployed as part of military training of the Russian armed forces,” ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.
The Polish government reacted angrily to Russia’s move, calling it on Saturday “very alarming”, while Lithuanian officials said it could breach an international nuclear weapons treaty.
Linas Linkevicius, Lithuania’s foreign minister, said that Russia was using the deployment to seek concessions from the West”. Moscow’s move came amid heightened tensions between Russia and western countries over Syria.
Lithuania, neighboring Kaliningrad and a member of NATO, said it would protest to Moscow.
Russia said the deployment was part of a routine missile drill that it was carrying out across the country.
It came as Russia and the US prepared to clash at the UN with rival resolutions over Aleppo.
