WARSAW, Poland, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. Patriot missiles to be deployed in northern Poland will be only about 60 miles from the Russian border, closer than originally planned, authorities said.
The location will put the missiles near the Russian territory of Kaliningrad, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday.
The choice of a location near the town of Morag, rather than close to Warsaw, was not based on strategic considerations, Polish Defense Minister Bogdan Klich said.
"In Morag we could offer the best conditions for American soldiers and the best technical base for the equipment."
Poland and the United States signed an agreement in December to station U.S. troops in Poland to service the missiles, which will be made part of Poland's national security system.
About 100 U.S. troops will man the eight-missile unit, RIA Novosti said, with the first deployment expected by the end of March.
Russia has yet to comment on the Polish decision to move the missiles closer to its borders, RIA Novosti reported.
