The explosion caused by the missile strike had raised concerns that the ongoing war in Ukraine might escalate into a broader conflict, possibly invoking NATO’s mutual defence clause due to Poland’s NATO membership. However, both Warsaw and NATO had initially stated that they believed the missile to be a Ukrainian stray, alleviating fears of an immediate escalation.
Sources familiar with the investigation have informed Rzeczpospolita that Poland has now determined the origin of the missile that struck the village of Przewodow. According to these sources, the missile was identified as an S-300 5-W-55 air-defence missile, with a range of 75 to 90 kilometres, launched from Ukrainian territory.
The newspaper quoted an unnamed source stating, “At that time, the Russian positions were in a place from which no Russian missile could reach Przewodow.”
Despite the findings, Ukraine has categorically denied that one of its missiles had landed in Polish territory.
Rzeczpospolita further reported that Ukrainian authorities have not provided any pertinent materials or information to assist Polish investigators in their probe.
Lukasz Lapczynski, spokesperson for the Polish prosecutor’s office, acknowledged that the prosecutor had received the expert opinion but declined to disclose its content, citing confidentiality. As of now, Lapczynski has not commented further on the matter, and the prosecutor’s office has yet to respond to emailed inquiries.
This development is likely to have diplomatic repercussions and may impact relations between Poland and Ukraine. The situation continues to be closely monitored by regional observers and international stakeholders.