After the USA and Poland, NATO is now also stating that the rocket impact in eastern Poland, which killed two, was "not a deliberate" attack. It is likely that a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile accidentally hit Poland. But the "ultimate responsibility" is borne by Russia.
NATO has no knowledge that the missile impact in Poland came from Russia. This was emphasized by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg after a special session of the NATO Council in Brussels. It is likely that a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile accidentally hit Poland. According to Stoltenberg, there is no evidence that it was a deliberate attack on NATO territory. The incident does not bear the characteristics of an attack. The alliance also has "no indication" that Russia is preparing offensive military actions against NATO.
Even though the rocket came from Ukraine, Stoltenberg makes it clear: Ukraine is not to blame. Rather, Russia bears the “ultimate responsibility”. The incident is a direct result of the ongoing war against Ukraine and the "massive wave" of rocket attacks on civilian targets. "Russia must end this senseless war," Stoltenberg demanded.
Stoltenberg also promised Kyiv support from NATO: "We are helping Ukraine to exercise its right to self-defense." Of course, Kyiv has the right to defend itself against Russia. NATO's most important task is to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. According to Stoltenberg, the western alliance is monitoring the situation very carefully.
The NATO Secretary General called on China to clearly condemn the invasion. This is a "blatant breach" of international law. China shares much of the Russian narrative of the war and that narrative is incorrect.
Stoltenberg also stressed the importance of Ukrainian defence. If President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stops fighting, Ukraine will cease to exist as an "independent sovereign nation". If Russia stops fighting, there will be peace. According to Stoltenberg, however, the war will most likely end at some point at the negotiating table.
