NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk the incursion of a Russian missile into the country during Russia's massive overnight attack on Ukraine, confirming the continuation of providing necessary support so that Ukraine can defend itself, writes UNN.
Discussed with Donald Tusk the violation of Polish airspace by a Russian missile. Poland and NATO activated their air and ground defense assets. We stand in solidarity with Poland and will continue to strengthen our readiness to defend against any threat, including missile attacks. This incident is yet another reckless act by Russia and a dangerous consequence of its war against Ukraine. I condemn yesterday's deadly strikes across Ukraine. NATO continues to provide the necessary support to Ukraine so that it can defend itself. Our commitment is unwavering
Earlier, as PAP reports, Colonel Martin O'Donnell, spokesman for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SHAPE), stated that NATO remains in close contact with Polish authorities regarding the violation of Polish airspace. He added that the Alliance will take all measures to protect NATO territory.
The spokesman confirmed that "after the incursion of a Russian missile of an unspecified type into Polish airspace and its subsequent fall on Polish territory, NATO and Poland activated air and ground defense assets." "This missile was one of many used by Russia during a massive night attack on Ukraine," O'Donnell said.
He added that in response, NATO units were scrambled: two NATO fighters – Polish F-16s – as well as an Airbus A330 tanker aircraft belonging to the NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Unit (MMU), a Polish Saab 340 early warning aircraft, and a Polish Mi-24 helicopter.
The spokesman added that NATO maintains close contact with Polish authorities, and that the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkiewicz, spoke on Thursday morning with the Chief of the General Staff of Poland, General Wiesław Kukuła, regarding NATO and Poland's response to the incident. "NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the territory of the alliance," emphasized Grynkiewicz, as quoted by Polskie Radio.
The spokesman stated that the incident is still being investigated by NATO. He added that Allied forces in Europe have assured that they will continue to take all necessary measures to protect NATO territory.
Update
A missile, identified as a Russian Kh-101, violated Polish airspace on Thursday in the early morning and, according to Polish media reports, fell in the area of Tarnawa-Kolonia in the Lublin Voivodeship in Poland during Russia's attack on Ukraine. According to information provided by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Polish military was ready to shoot down the missile. Ultimately, the missile hit an undeveloped area, and no one was injured.