PRIME minister Rushi Sunak met with US President Joe Biden and Nato leaders at an emergency meeting on Wednesday over the missile strike in Poland that left two people dead.
The group condemned “barbaric” attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities as they pledged support for Poland’s investigation into the deadly blast near the Ukraine border.
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“We condemn the barbaric missile attacks that Russia perpetrated on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure on Tuesday,” the statement read.
“We discussed the explosion that took place in the eastern part of Poland near the border with Ukraine. We offer our full support for and assistance with Poland’s ongoing investigation. We agree to remain in close touch to determine appropriate next steps as the investigation proceeds.
“We reaffirm our steadfast support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, as well as our continued readiness to hold Russia accountable for its brazen attacks on Ukrainian communities, even as the G20 meets to deal with the wider impacts of the war. We all express our condolences to the families of the victims in Poland and Ukraine.”
However, while speaking to reporters, Biden said that it was “unlikely” that the missile was from Russia, however, he supported Poland’s investigation.
“There is preliminary information that contests that,” Biden said to reporters when asked if the missile had been fired from Russia.
“It is unlikely in the lines of the trajectory that it was fired from Russia, but we’ll see.”
It’s unknown if the president suggested that the missile wasn’t fired by Russia at all, however, Ukraine maintains stocks of former soviet and Russian-made weaponry.
Biden expressed his “deep condolences” to Polish President Andrzej Duda.
He promised on Twitter “full U.S support for and assistance with Poland’s investigation,” and “reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Nato.”
Poland said early Wednesday that a “Russian-made” missile fell in the easter part of the country, killing two people.
Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy called the attack “a very significant escalation” of the war.
Russia has denied any involvement in the attack.
The Polish government is investigating the attack and announced that it would raise its level of military preparedness.
“We are acting with calm,” said Polish President Andrzej Duda. “This is a difficult situation.”
SUNAK AND BIDEN MEET
The pair and their delegations met in an open-air room in a luxury resort hotel, surrounded by a carp pond and tropical plants.
They were shielded from the hot midday sun by a thatched roof.
After their brief remarks at the top of the meeting, they shook hands and smiled at each other warmly.
President Biden said: “This morning we’ve already met with our fellow NATO and G-7 leaders to address Russia’s latest missile strikes against Kyiv and Western Ukraine – it’s merciless. I mean it borders on — it’s way over the top. At the moment when world leaders meeting here in Bali are seeking progress on world peace, Putin’s striking civilian targets – children, and women. I mean, it’s just, It’s almost – in my words, not yours – barbaric.”
In reply, Prime Minister Sunak said: “It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to sit down with you. I think the partnership between our countries is unique and enduring. And of course, it’s bigger than any two individuals. I’m proud to have stewardship of it at the moment.
“And as you said, the United States is our closest ally, biggest trading partner, closest security partner. And I’m glad to see that partnership in action doing good whether it’s standing up to – and I agree with your words – barbaric activity by Russia in Ukraine, but also tackling climate change, stabilizing the global economy. Our values are aligned, our interests are aligned and there’s much good that we can do working together.”
The pair declined to take questions from reporters on the missile strike in Poland.
Cheyenne R. Ubiera
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