The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Alarm at reports of missile hit in Poland
Asenior US intelligence official says Russian missiles crossed into Nato member Poland, killing two people. The Russian Defence Ministry denied being behind “any strikes on targets near the Ukrainianpolish border” and said in a statement that photos of purported damage “have nothing to do” with Russian weapons.
A Nato official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the alliance was looking into reports of a strike in Poland.
“We are looking into these reports and closely co-ordinating with our ally Poland,” they said.
The US National Security Council said it was also looking into the reports.
Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller did not immediately confirm the information from the US intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
But Mr Mueller said top leaders were holding an emergency meeting due to a “crisis situation”.
It was reported last night that US president Joe Biden was to speak to the Polish president.
A White House statement said: “POTUS has been briefed on the reports out of Poland and will be speaking with President Andrzej Duda of Poland shortly.”
Polish media reported that two people died yesterday afternoon after a projectile struck an area where grain was drying in Przewodow, a Polish village near the border with Ukraine.
Neighbouring Moldova was also affected. It reported massive power outages after air strikes knocked out a key power line that supplies the small nation, an official said.
Meanwhile, the UK Government is also examining the reports.
It is understood the government is aware of the reports, which emerged last night and is urgently seeking clarity.
Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte tweeted: “Serious reports about missiles landing in Poland and causing fatalities.
“We’re in close contact with Poland and our other Nato allies.
“It’s important now to establish exactly what has happened. We are monitoring the situation very closely.”
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she was “alarmed” by the reports from Poland”.