Two people have been killed in Poland after two stray Russian rockets landed near the border with Ukraine. The rockets landed in the NATO state following Russia’s mass bombardment of Ukrainian cities earlier today, which saw over 100 rockets launched.
According to the AP news agency, a senior US intelligence official said that the missiles were of Russian origin. Poland’s Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has convened the Committee of the Council of Ministers for National Security and Defense Affairs “as a matter of urgency”, government spokesman Piotr Müller confirmed, with local news sites claiming this is likely the result of the explosions.
The meeting will reportedly take place at 9 pm local time (8 pm British time). The rockets fell in the town of Przewodów, hitting grain dryers. The police, prosecutor’s office, and the army are reportedly already on the site. Meanwhile, Polish Armed Forces are reportedly on “high alert”.
Some analysts have suggested the rockets’ intended target may have been Lviv, a Ukrainian city about 100km south of Przewodów. The missile fell 65 kilometers from Poland.
“The most important people in the country” are attending Poland’s emergency meeting, according to local news outlet Radio Zet. The station also reported that military planes were scrambled in response.
The price of oil has already reacted to the rockets landing in Poland, climbing 2.3 percent to $87.82 according to the West Texas Intermediate benchmark.
Latvia’s Minister of Defence, Artis Pabriks, said: “My condolences to our Polish brothers in arms. Criminal Russian regime fired missiles which target not only Ukrainian civilians but also landed on NATO territory in Poland. Latvia fully stands with Polish friends and condemns this crime.” The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has also reportedly convened his defense council.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have also declared their “full solidarity” with Poland, saying it is “convening closely with Poland and other Allies.” The ministry added: “Estonia is ready to defend every inch of NATO territory.” Express.co.uk has contacted the UK Foreign Office for comment. (SOURCE)