On Tuesday, Russia reportedly launched missiles into Poland, killing two people and sparking fears about possible reprisal from NATO. Poland is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The Associated Press, citing a senior U.S. official, said that Russia launched “its biggest volley of missiles yet” targeting Ukrainian energy sites around the country. There were reports that the farm struck was located 15 kilometers inside of Polish territory.
The story claims that the Polish government first denied the news.
Defense Department officials denied the allegation during a press briefing, saying they had no evidence to back up the speculation.
Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said that the United States was aware of media reports that two Russian missiles had struck a location in Poland near the country’s border with Ukraine. There is currently no proof for these claims but be assured that we are looking into them.
“We will safeguard all of NATO territory,” Ryder added, referring to the alliance’s security obligations under Article 5.
The Foreign Ministry of Estonia tweeted that the news was “concerning” and that Estonia would step in if Russia attacked Poland.
According to the statement, “recent news from Poland is quite alarming.” We maintain constant communication with Poland and other allies. Estonians are ready to defend the whole NATO area. Poland is a close ally, and we back them 100%.
Worrying new reports have emerged from Poland. With Poland and other Allies, we are in daily contact with this matter. Estonians are ready to defend the whole NATO area. We support Poland 100 percent because they are an ally.
Foreign Ministry of Estonia (@MFAestonia) 15 November 2022 — | #StandWithUkraine
Article 5 served as the basis for the formation of NATO in reaction to the aggressive expansion of the Soviet Union into Eastern Europe and other regions.
To ensure that “an assault on one Ally is viewed as an attack against all Allies,” Article 5 was invoked after the September 11th, 2001 strikes on the United States.