During a Russian missile barrage across Ukraine, two missiles crossed into NATO member Poland, killing two people and cutting electricity to much of nearby nation Moldova. Polish media reported that the projectiles struck a site where grain was drying in Przewodów, a small village about 15 miles inside the Polish border with Ukraine. The missiles landed around the same time as a Russian missile attack on western Ukraine.
Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller said that Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki convened the Committee of the Council of Ministers for National Security and Defense Affairs to address a “crisis situation,” but did not immediately confirm the missile strikes. According to European and US officials, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is will speak with his Polish counterpart this afternoon. The UK has also said it is “liaising closely” with allies.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that they are “in full solidarity” with Poland, and other Baltic states, including Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have all stepped forward to express solidarity with Poland.
“Every inch of NATO territory must be defended,” tweeted Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.
US Defense Department Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said that the US “will defend every inch of NATO territory,” and that the US is “very confident” in its force protection in Europe.
“When it comes to force protection, we always take the safety and security of our troops no matter where they’re serving very seriously,” Ryder said.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
