NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday said a preliminary investigation suggested that the missile that fell in Poland and killed two on Tuesday was likely from Ukraine’s air defense system, but said Russia was "ultimately responsible" for the deaths.

"This is not Ukraine's fault," he told reporters. "Russia bears reasonability for what happened yesterday because this is a direct result for the ongoing war."

"Ukraine has the right to shoot down those missiles that target Ukrainian cities," he added. 

POLISH PRESIDENT SAYS 'NO PROOF' MISSILE THAT LANDED IN NATO TERRITORY WAS FIRED BY RUSSIA

Concerns mounted Tuesday after one anonymous U.S. official told the Associated Press that a Russian missile landed in NATO territory and prompted leaders from the military alliance to scramble to discover what happened. 

President Biden and Western leaders have repeatedly warned Russia against expanding its war effort in Europe have vowed to defend "every inch" of NATO territory – sparking concern the missile strike could prompt a massive escalation. 

Stoltenberg attempted to ease concerns regarding any attempt by Russia to purposely hit NATO nations and said the alliance has constant land, air and sea-based defense systems on alert.

But reporters questioned why the rocket that killed two yesterday was not blocked by one of these defenses. 

BIDEN SAYS MISSILE KILLING 2 PEOPLE IN POLAND WAS 'UNLIKELY' FIRED FROM RUSSIA IN 'MINDS OF THE TRAJECTORY'

"Attacks, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles have special characteristics which we follow and monitor and then we make a judgment whether it’s an attack or whether it’s something else," Stoltenberg told reporters. "That missile [didn’t] have the characteristics of an attack."

Stoltenberg said that NATO allies offered their "deepest condolences on the tragic loss of life" during a Wednesday meeting, but held firm on their position in backing Kyiv.

"They expressed their strong solidarity with our valued ally Poland and made clear that we will continue to support Ukraine in its right to self-defense," he added. "Russia must stop this senseless war."

The NATO chief said defense leaders would address bolstering Ukrainian air defense systems in a meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Wednesday in an attempt to prevent further accidents of this nature, but also as Russia ramps up its air raids while its troops flag on the ground. 

"The best way of preventing anything like this from happening again, is for Russia to stop this war," Stoltenberg concluded. 

The cost of a Thanksgiving dinner has risen 20% since last year, according to an analysis from the American Farm Bureau Association.

Costs for holiday staples such as turkey, sweet potatoes, and stuffing have surged since the same time last year when the lobbying group reported that the cost of the meal had increased 14% since 2020.

“General inflation slashing the purchasing power of consumers is a significant factor contributing to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” Farm Bureau Chief Economist Roger Cryan remarked in a press release. “Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine. The higher retail turkey cost at the grocery store can also be attributed to a slightly smaller flock this year, increased feed costs and lighter processing weights.”

The price of a 16-pound turkey has risen from $23.99 last year to $28.96, marking a 21% increase as an outbreak of the avian flu impacts poultry flocks across the country. The costs for cubed stuffing mix, one dozen dinner rolls, and a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix have surged 69%, 22%, and 18%, respectively.

A family serving 10 people during the upcoming holiday can expect to spend an average of $64.05. Last year, households spent $53.31 to feed the same number of people. Americans in the western portion of the country can expect to pay $71.37, while those in southern states can expect to spend a more modest $58.42.

Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall remarked in the press release that state and local chapters of the organization would conduct charity efforts to support families that cannot afford Thanksgiving meals. “We should not take our food supply for granted,” he remarked. “As many of us gather with family and friends for a special meal, it’s a time for giving thanks and doing our part to help those who can’t afford a big holiday feast.”

Inflation has plagued American consumers and businesses over the past two years. Price levels rose 7.7% between October 2021 and October 2022, according to a report released last week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicating that inflation has begun to slow amid contractionary policy from the Federal Reserve. The month-to-month increase of 0.4% was below analysts’ forecasts, while the 0.3% increase in core inflation, which factors out the more volatile food and energy categories, was likewise lower than expected.

Nevertheless, overall food prices rose 0.6% while energy prices rose 1.8%. Shelter costs rose 0.8%, marking their fastest increase since the start of the year.

President Joe Biden claimed that the lower headline inflation number showed “a much-needed break” in rising price levels. “Today’s report shows that we are making progress on bringing inflation down, without giving up all of the progress we have made on economic growth and job creation,” he said in a statement from the White House. “My economic plan is showing results, and the American people can see that we are facing global economic challenges from a position of strength.”

After the Farm Bureau noted last year that the cost of a Fourth of July cookout had fallen $0.16 since the previous summer, the administration came under criticism for taking a victory lap in response to the negligible savings. This summer, however, the Farm Bureau found that the cost of an average Independence Day cookout rose $10.18 from the previous year.