Poland and NATO said the explosion was likely caused by a Ukrainian air defense missile launched to intercept a Russian barrage, but that Moscow was ultimately to blame for starting the conflict.

Two people were killed on Tuesday when at least one missile hit a village in NATO member Poland near the Ukrainian border, during a mass Russian bombardment aimed at civilian infrastructure inside Westernbacked Ukraine.

Both the Western leaders at the Group of 20 Summit in Bali and NATO ambassadors in Brussels called emergency meetings, amid fears the blasts were a Russian strike that might force the allies to respond.

But Polish President Andrzej Duda played down international fears of a further escalation, saying there was “no indication that this was an intentional attack on Poland”.

Duda said it was very likely that the Soviet-era missile was launched by Ukraine in what he called an “unfortunate accident” and said the blame lay with Russia because of its attacks on Ukraine.

Russia ‘bears responsibility’

Popular

Mixed-marriage families seek priority in dual citizenship plan

Citilink expands fleet to 43 aircraft, thanks to Danantara's support

Firefighters in Greece 'pushed to the limit' as winds rage