As tensions build, so do nuclear weapons. Panic sweeps the world as Russia moves its nuclear missiles. The question hangs in mid-air whether it’s for war or for peace.

Russia made headlines Friday, October 7, by suddenly moving its nuclear- capable Iskander- M missiles into Kaliningrad. Kaliningrad is a region that borders Poland and Lithuania. Because of such relevant proximity of the locations, many European nations have become unnerved by this piece of news.

Reuters.com reports that this move caused a great deal of panic from neighboring countries by Russia’s border. Apparently, these missiles are capable of destroying targets 700 km (450 miles) away, which according to Minister Linas Linkevicius, is close enough to hit Germany. Both Poland and Lithuania have already made their discontent clear on this topic and criticized Russia for its recent actions.

While Europe may be up in a frenzy about this action, across the seas U.S. too has shown its concern on this matter. Both CNN and ABC news were quick to call this a “confrontation” and attributed the moving of the missiles as part of a Cold War tactic. On Tuesday, October 11th, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest even labeled the event as Russia’s response to U.S.’s allegations over hacked emails.

Indeed that seems to be the case as according to CNN, Russian president Vladimir Putin has openly stated that the “whole hysteria is aimed at making the American[s] forget about the manipulation of public opinion.” This was, of course, his reply to both the Democratic Party’s speculation and Clinton’s campaign speech in which she blamed Russians for hacking into government computers. However, the Russian Federation has confirmed that it poses no threat to Europe or the U.S. and that it is merely a statement of autonomy from NATO’s influence.

“These missile units have been deployed more than once (in the Kaliningrad region)…and will be deployed as part of [the] military training of the Russian armed forces,” explains minister spokesman Igor Konashenkov. He argues that the moving of missiles was not only a gesture of sovereignty but also a military tactic on Russia’s behalf. Russia remains the largest nation in the world spreading from Europe to Asia. This is why stabilizing  protection from any possible intruders is crucial, especially since countries like the U.S. have nuclear arms powerful enough to destroy its regions. Konashenkov agrees that Russia’s goal was not to intimidate their counterparts but rather to solidify the world’s knowledge of its militant strength.

Although tensions may be rocketing sky high, many have expressed their doubts about the seriousness of the situation. U.S. and World History teacher Kristey Stofey voiced her concern for the overly exaggerated attention the missile moving received.

“I personally don’t know enough to answer about Russia’s motives,” she began, “I am however concerned that this made sensational news. It’s something we should pay attention to, but not freak out about. I cannot say whether it’s a military tactic or a declaration to flex muscles. Either way, it shouldn’t be headline news.”  

Similarly, some students seem to agree that the whole scenario is being blown out of proportion.

“This is just a show of power and self-dominance,” explained Russian sophomore Daniel Boguslavsky. “Russia’s obviously not going to do anything, that would be pointless and stupid,” he said.