Missile Hits Poland, Killing Two

Adam Ide, Sports Editor

The months-long war between Ukraine and Russia has escalated recently after a “Russian-made” missile struck NATO member Poland, killing two people. The incident occurred on Nov. 15 during an attack on Ukrainian cities and energy facilities by Russia. The missile struck the village of Przewodów near the Polish border with Ukraine.

According to CNN, world leaders gathering at the G20 summit in Bali attempted to diffuse potential escalation. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. It is not known who fired the missile or precisely where it was fired from, though the Polish Foreign Ministry has described it as “Russian-made.” 

Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have used Russian-made munitions during the conflict, with Ukraine deploying Russian-made missiles as part of its air defense system. This makes the situation complicated, as fingers cannot be outright pointed at Russia.

Several nations, including the United States, came out at the G20 summit in support of Poland and the investigation into this attack.

According to CNN, the Kremlin has denied involvement in the explosion. The Russian mission at the United Nations said, “the incident in Poland is an attempt to provoke a direct military clash between NATO and Russia.” 

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that evidence suggests the missile that landed in Przewodów was a “single act,” and there is no evidence of further missile strikes.

Morawiecki said Poland would increase its military readiness and was contemplating the activation of Article 4 of the NATO Treaty. Article 4 is a consultation method that allows members of the 30-country alliance to bring an issue – usually about security – for discussion at the North Atlantic Council, its decision-making body.

This incident has reinforced longstanding concerns related to the risk of battlefield miscalculation triggering a NATO-Russian conflict.

The results of the Polish investigation are yet to be seen as tensions continue to rise in eastern Europe.