Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs was quick to react, denouncing what he called a "dangerous escalation by the Kremlin" as Russia extends its military aggression into territory covered by the Alliance's collective defense pact.
Russian missiles hitting the territory of the NATO member is a very dangerous escalation by the Kremlin, #Latvia expresses full solidarity with our ally Poland and will support any action deemed appropriate by Poland. Russia will bear full responsibility for all the consequences
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) November 15, 2022
Defense Minister Artis Pabriks also reacted, citing NATO's Article 4, which states that members can bring any issue of concern, especially related to the security of a member country, to the table for discussion within the North Atlantic Council. Since the Alliance’s creation in 1949, Article 4 has been invoked several times. Pabriks also suggested barring Russia from the United Nations.
My condolences to our Polish brothers in arms. Criminal Russian regime fired missiles which target not only Ukrainian civilians but also landed on NATO territory in Poland. Latvia fully stands with Polish friends and condemns this crime.
— Artis Pabriks (@Pabriks) November 15, 2022
My first reaction would be that after Russians hit Polish territory, 4. Article is in place, just like air defence of Ukrainian air.
— Artis Pabriks (@Pabriks) November 15, 2022
Speaking to LTV Tuesday night, Pabriks said: "We must wait for Poland's reaction and wait until their security council has finished meeting," but suggested that one option might be for NATO members to extend air defense over "at least part of Ukrainian territory".
International media reported Tuesday night that two people had been killed by a suspected missile strike on Polish territory close to the border with Ukraine, though full details remain to be confirmed. It is unclear whether it was a deliberate attack on Poland, a botched attack on Ukraine or some other combination of factors resulting from Russian aggression. More details are awaited from the scene, reportedly in the village of Przewodów.
Poland called a meeting of its national security council and NATO allies have been quick to express their support. NATO and national leaders have repeatedly expressed their readiness to defend every inch of Alliance territory.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined that all the facts relating to the incident are established.
Spoke with President Duda @prezydentpl about the explosion in #Poland. I offered my condolences for the loss of life. #NATO is monitoring the situation and Allies are closely consulting. Important that all facts are established.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) November 15, 2022
Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš reiterated that NATO's commitment to defense is "rock solid" and said he had called a government meeting for 10:00 Wednesday to discuss the security situation in the region and "to be ready for further action".
Latvia stands firm in its solidarity with our close friend and ally Poland. The readiness and determination of NATO allies to defend our people and territories is rock solid.
— Krišjānis Kariņš (@krisjaniskarins) November 15, 2022
