NATO Says Russian Missile Hit Poland During Ukraine Attack

NATO Says Russian Missile Hit Poland During Ukraine Attack

A Russian ballistic missile and drone barrage across Ukraine overnight killed at least eight civilians, including children, and injured more than 50 others, officials said. The attack expanded Russia's almost daily bombardment of Ukrainian cities, including the capital of Kyiv, where tens of thousands spent the night sheltering in subway stations. NATO said a Russian missile entered Polish airspace during the onslaught and landed in a rural area, causing no injuries or damage. However, this incident could deepen tensions between the military alliance and Moscow, as wary European countries fear the 4-year-old war could spill into their territory. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as "a very serious incident," but added that there are "absolutely no reasons to believe that Poland was the target." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched over 70 missiles and 280 drones in the overnight attack, which killed at least eight people, including three children, and left dozens injured. The Russian Defense Ministry said its strikes targeted Ukrainian air bases, arms factories, and military telecommunications and logistics facilities, including drone factories and storage depots, as well as plants for missiles, aircraft repairs, electronics, and chemicals. The attack came two days after Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump and representatives of American defense companies, as he pleads for swifter and bigger deliveries of Patriot air defense systems to stop Russia's ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed for more U.S.-made Patriot missile interceptors, as they are capable of downing Russia's ballistic missiles. European officials were quick to denounce the overnight bombardment against Ukraine and the reported violation of Polish airspace. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the reported violation of Poland's airspace during overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine, saying that "France strongly condemns the Russian strikes that killed civilians in Ukraine, as well as the violation of Polish airspace." European Council President António Costa echoed those remarks, warning that the incident underscored a broader threat posed by Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled the attack "another unacceptable violation of our E.U. Airspace caused by Russia's latest strikes on Ukraine." NATO is "in close contact with the Polish authorities about the violation of Poland's airspace," NATO spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Col. Martin O'Donnell said. NATO military commander Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich told Poland's Defense Chief Gen. Wiesław Kukułan that the military alliance "will continue to take all necessary measures to defend NATO territory." The European Commission announced that it would disburse a further €3.47 billion for drones, missiles, air defense, and fighter jets under its €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. Ukraine's new Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi expressed gratitude, saying that the funds will strengthen Ukraine's defense and help finance the country's most urgent needs. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called it “yet another reckless act by Russia and a dangerous consequence of its war against Ukraine.” “This Russian terror once again proves that protection against the Russian missile threat is the most important task when it comes to saving the lives of our people,” Zelenskyy said. “Given the critical shortage of air defense missiles from our partners, our warriors are accomplishing truly incredible things, demonstrating a very high level of professionalism,” Zelenskyy said on social media.