NATO says the recent Poland missile strike was likely caused by Ukraine’s air defence, but Russia is still to blame
NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg says the recent missile strike in Poland was likely caused by Ukraine’s air defence systems as Russia continues with its barrage of rockets.
“An investigation into this incident is ongoing, and we need to await its outcome,” Stolenberg said. But we have no indication that this was the result of a deliberate attack. We have no indication that Russia is preparing offensive military actions against NATO.
“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.”
U.S. President Joe Biden has also confirmed it is ‘unlikely’ the weapon was fired by the Russian military.
This in itself earned rare praise from the Kremlin, with a spokesperson describing the American response as “restrained and professional.”
It follows the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley attempting to speak with his Russian counterpart following the missile incident. This attempt was rejected.
Milley instead spoke with his Ukrainian, Polish and European counterparts in Poland.
According to Milley, the U.S. will support Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against invading Russian forces “for as long as it takes.”
But who bears ultimate responsibility for this attack? Stoltenberg says it’s not Ukraine’s fault.
“Russia bears ultimate responsibility, as it continues its illegal war against Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said.
“In the meeting today, NATO Allies offered their deepest condolences on the tragic loss of life. They expressed their strong solidarity with our valued ally, Poland. [They] made clear that we will continue to support Ukraine in its right to self-defence.”
“Russia must stop this senseless war.”
