UPDATE - NATO, EU 'closely' looking into reports of suspected Russian missiles landing in Poland

ADDS EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF AND UK PRIME MINISTER'S REMARKS

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) - NATO and the European Union are closely looking into reports of suspected Russian missiles landing in alliance member Poland’s territory.

"NATO is monitoring the situation and Allies are closely consulting. Important that all facts are established," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter late Tuesday.

Stoltenberg also offered his condolences for the loss of life in Poland.

"Alarmed by reports of an explosion in Poland, following a massive Russian missile strike on Ukrainian cities," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter.

Extending her condolences and support and solidarity with Poland and Ukraine, von der Leyen said: "We are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with Polish authorities and partners and allies."

Expressing his “heartfelt” condolences to the families of the victims, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said: "In contact with partners on the explosion in Poland that killed two people."

Borrell also extended his "full solidarity with Poland and Ukraine" in his Twitter post

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also commented on the incident.

"I have just spoken to Polish President @AndrzejDuda following reports of a missile strike in Poland. I reiterated the UK’s solidarity with Poland and expressed condolences for the victims," Sunak said on Twitter.

"We will remain in close contact and continue to coordinate with our NATO allies," he added.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Twitter that the UK is “urgently” monitoring reports of missiles landing in Poland and is in touch with Warsaw and NATO allies.

Italy is following developments regarding the situation in Poland with the "utmost attention in constant contact" with the Defense Ministry, European countries and NATO allies, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Twitter.

In his conversation with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in a phone call, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity with Warsaw.

Poland can count on France's support and its readiness for the ongoing investigations, Macron said on Twitter.

The suspected missile attack occurred in eastern Poland's village of Przewodow, located a few kilometers from the border with Ukraine.

Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said early Wednesday that the missiles were Russian made.

Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau summoned the Russian ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a demand to provide a detailed immediate explanation.

The explosion occurred 500-600 meters from a primary school. The area near the explosion site is closed.