NATO Allies addresses explosion that killed two in Poland  

NATO ambassadors have met on Wednesday (16 November 2022) to address the explosion that killed two in the east of Poland on the border with Ukraine on Tuesday, which took place as Russia launched a massive wave of rocket attacks across Ukraine.

Recall that NATO Ambassadors concluded to meet on Wednesday at the request of Poland after the incident on basis of the alliance’s Article 4 of the alliance’s founding treaty, which stated that members can raise any issue of concern, especially related to the security of a member country.

NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, briefed the meeting of the North Atlantic Council, and Poland’s Ambassador to NATO, Tomasz Szatkowski, updated Allies on the incident and the ongoing investigation.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after the meeting that since the start of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, NATO has increased vigilance across its eastern flank.

He said further that NATO await the outcome of ongoing investigation, but stated that NATO has no indication that this was the result of a deliberate attack and “we have no indication that Russia is preparing offensive military actions against NATO”, Stoltenberg added.

According to him, “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. But let me clear: this is not Ukraine’s fault. Russia bears ultimate responsibility as it continues its illegal war against Ukraine.” 

NATO Allies made it clear that they will continue to support Ukraine in its right to self-defence, also offered their deepest condolences on the tragic loss of life and expressed their strong solidarity with Poland.

“We agreed that we need to stay vigilant, calm and closely coordinated. We will continue to consult and monitor the situation very closely. NATO stands united and we will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies,” Stoltenberg said.