WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Poland and Estonia expressed concerns Saturday that Russia has moved nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missiles into Kaliningrad, a Russian region on the Baltic Sea, with one official saying Russia appears eager to dominate that body of water.
Russia, meanwhile, says the missiles are being deployed as part of regular military maneuvers to Kaliningrad.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West over Syria.
“It seems to me that this is yet another step in the general context of escalation that we see, at least in rhetoric,” said outgoing Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves, according to Estonian broadcaster ERR.
Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said Poland considers the matter of “highest concern” and is monitoring the situation.