US blames Russia for Poland missile thing

(MENAFN) Despite who fired the missile that left two deaths in eastern Poland, it is Russia who “bears ultimate responsibility” for the incident, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin charged Wednesday.

Austin stated the "tragic and troubling incident is yet another reminder of the recklessness of Russia's war of choice."

"Ukraine has a bedrock right to defend itself, and we will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they defend their country," he updated journalists at the Pentagon alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley.

The missile in question arrived late Tuesday in the village of Przewodow, which is near the frontier with Ukraine.

The incident caused fears of an escalation between NATO, of which Poland is a member, and Russia.

But NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated initial scrutiny proposed it was “likely caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile fired to defend Ukrainian territory," an analysis supported by Poland.

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