Friday, March 29, 2024

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NATO, Poland say missile strike was likely launched by Ukraine’s defence system

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After the world was put on edge by yesterday’s missile strike that killed two in Poland,
the head of NATO and the Polish government say there is no indication it was an intentional strike by Russia.

Poland and NATO say it is probable that the missile was launched by Ukraine’s air defence system.

“This is most likely Ukrainian air defence systems or missiles… this is not Ukraine’s fault. Russia bears responsibility,” NATO Security General Jens Stoltenberg said.

NATO’s assessment of yesterday’s blast in Poland is echoed by the Polish president. Andrzej Duda says “nothing, absolutely nothing, indicates that this was an intentional attack on Poland.”

Duda and his prime minister say the missile was likely a Soviet-era anti-aircraft missile launched defensively by Ukraine during widespread Russian strikes yesterday.

The U.S. government agrees, U.S. Secretary of Defense says, “we’ve seen nothing that contradicts President Duda’s preliminary assessment. Whatever the final conclusions may be, the world knows that Russia bears ultimately responsibility for this incident.”

Polish and U.S. authorities are working together to fully investigate, but for now, the Polish government says it will not be invoking any of NATO’s collective self-defense articles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky doubts that assessment and says he wants access to the blast site.

In an interview with CHCH News, Ukrainian member of parliament Lesia Vasylenko says she is speaking with members of the Polish government who tell her more investigative work is needed.

Vasylenko says even if it was a Ukrainian missile, Russia is ultimately responsible, “the reason for this, it stems from Russia and the aggression it is waging against Ukraine and against the safety and security of nations across the world and this is what is clear, both to Ukrainians and to the Polish.”

Speaking from the G-20 summit in Indonesia, prime minister Justin Trudeau says he has spoken with President Duda, offering condolences and support for the investigation.

Earlier this week, the federal government pledged another $500 million in military aid for Ukraine and today Trudeau announced more support.

“We’re extending the Canadian Armed Forces training mission of recruits of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the UK for another year until the end of December 2023,” Trudeau said.

Trudeau and UK prime minister Rishi Sunak spoke with President Zelensky today to reiterate their ongoing support for Ukraine.

Defence minister Anita Anand says another $34 million worth of equipment including drone cameras, winter clothing, and satellite communications technology is being sent to Ukraine.

Organizations in Hamilton and Niagara continue to gather large amounts of humanitarian and non-lethal military aid to help the Ukrainian war effort.

Anyone interested in making a donation in Hamilton can contact Stefan Sobolewski of Taras Bulba Ukraine Support at tarasbulba2022@hotmail.com or if you are in Niagara you can contact Anna Demchyshyn of AMD for Hope.

With winter approaching, both groups are putting an emphasis on collecting winter weather gear.

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