Russia moves nuclear weapons back to Baltic

Russia has moved short-range nuclear weapons onto one of its military bases in the Baltics.

Some in the Clinton administration believe the Russians may be seeking to step up pressure on Nato to withdraw similar weapons from Europe.

The movement of Russian nuclear weapons also may reflect Moscow's response to Nato's eastern expansion in 1999 when Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic joined the alliance. The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia want to be the next new members.

Russia views Nato expansion as a potential military threat and has said it would undermine arms control.

Moscow has long argued for the removal of all tactical, or short-range, nuclear weapons from Europe.

The United States withdrew many missiles and other nuclear weapons from Europe in the 1980s and 90s but maintains some nuclear bombs for aircraft based there.

The Washington Times reported that Russia moved nuclear weapons last summer to the base in Kaliningrad, a Baltic Sea port located between Poland and Lithuania on a sliver of Russian territory not connected to the main part of Russia. The port is the headquarters of the Russian Baltic Fleet.

Two White House officials say there have been indications for more than a year that Russia moved nuclear weapons into the Baltics. Both officials say it is not clear how long the weapons have been there, but some have been moved in recent months.

The Times report says the weapons are believed to be for use on a new missile with a range of about 44 miles.