Statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson

We have full confidence in the Polish government’s investigation of the explosion near their border with Ukraine, and we commend them for the professional and deliberate manner in which they are conducting it. We will not get ahead of their work and remain in close touch with our Polish counterparts, as we are still gathering information. We have seen nothing that contradicts President Duda’s preliminary assessment that this explosion was most likely the result of a Ukrainian air defense missile that unfortunately landed in Poland. We will continue to assess and share any new information transparently as it becomes available. We will also continue to stay in close touch with the Ukrainians regarding any information they have to fill out the picture.

That said, whatever the final conclusions may be, it is clear that the party ultimately responsible for this tragic incident is Russia, which launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine specifically intended to target civilian infrastructure. Ukraine had — and has — every right to defend itself. 

We again express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our condolences for the losses they suffered in these barbaric airstrikes. We know that millions more Ukrainians remain without power, water and basic necessities as a result.  Our thoughts and prayers go out again to the loved ones of the two Polish citizens tragically killed.

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