The federal government is monitoring “very closely” reports indicating Russian missiles crossed into NATO member Poland, National Defence Minister Anita Anand says.
The apparent strike was in Przewodow, a Polish village near the border with Ukraine, a senior U.S. intelligence official told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
Firefighters responding to the scene said two people died, but it was not clear what happened, Reuters reported. Russia was striking Ukraine’s energy facilities throughout the day with its biggest barrage of missiles yet, hitting targets from east to west and causing widespread blackouts.
Russia’s defence ministry denied the reports, describing them as a deliberate provocation.
“I am aware of the reports. It would be imprudent for me to comment on them at this point. I am in close touch with our Polish allies and we are monitoring the situation very closely,” Anand told reporters in Ottawa.
“As I said, we are monitoring the situation. I am receiving updates regarding this report and very closely in touch with our Polish allies at this time. It would be imprudent for me to comment further.”
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Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller did not immediately confirm the information, but said top leaders were holding an emergency meeting due to a “crisis situation,” The Associated Press reported. Polish Radio ZET reported that two stray missiles hit Przewodow, killing two people, without giving any more details.
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The Pentagon said it could not confirm those reports on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are aware of the press reports alleging that two Russian missiles have struck a location inside Poland near the Ukraine border. I can tell you that we don’t have any information at this time to corroborate those reports and are looking into this further,” Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder told a news briefing.
In a tweet, Estonia’s foreign affairs ministry called the news “concerning.” Estonia shares a border with Russia.
“Estonia is ready to defend every inch of NATO territory. We’re in full solidarity with our close ally Poland,” the ministry said.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said if the reports were true, the incident would be an escalation by Russia. Lithuania President Gitanas Nauseda tweeted support for Poland, and that “every inch of NATO territory must be defended!”
More to come.
— with files from The Associated Press and Reuters
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
