Incident in Poland likely caused by Ukraine air defense munition, but Russia is responsible, says NATO chief
Jens Stoltenberg (Photo:Yves Herman/Reuters)
A fallen missile that struck a village in Poland, killing two, was likely a Ukrainian air defense munition – but Russia bears ultimate responsibility, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated at a press conference in Brussels on Nov. 16.
“Our preliminary analysis suggests that the incident was likely caused by a Ukrainian air defence missile fired to defend Ukrainian territory against Russian cruise missile attacks,” he said.
“But let me clear: this is not Ukraine’s fault. Russia bears ultimate responsibility as it continues its illegal war against Ukraine.”
Stoltenberg clarified that there are no signs of a deliberate attack on Poland, but the investigation continues, and the results will be announced later.
He also expressed strong solidarity with Poland, adding the Alliance “stands united, and we will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies.”
On Nov. 15, during a massive Russian air attack on the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine, a missile fell onto the village of Przewodów in Poland’s Lublin district. Two people were killed.
Following the incident, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki convened an urgent meeting of the National Security and Defense Affairs committee.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said that Warsaw was holding a series of international consultations on the matter, and that NATO forces are in a state of combat readiness.
It has been established that the downed missile was Russian-made, though it was likely a Ukrainian munition, according to U.S. intelligence assessments, the Associated Press reported, citing anonymous U.S. defense officials.
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