WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland's Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski announced on Wednesday the impending closure of the last Russian consulate operating in the country. This decision follows accusations that two Ukrainian citizens affiliated with Moscow are implicated in a sabotage act targeting a railway line in Poland.
Sikorski emphasized that he had consistently warned Russia that its diplomatic and consular presence in Poland would face further reductions if hostile actions against the country continued, as reported by the Polish news agency PAP. He stated, “In connection with this, though it will not be our full response, I have decided to withdraw consent for the operation of the last Russian consulate in Gdansk.” He also mentioned that Russia would be officially notified of this decision within a matter of hours.
The closure of the consulate in Gdansk means that the only remaining Russian representation in Poland will be its embassy located in Warsaw. This move is part of a series of escalating tensions between Poland and Russia, particularly in the context of regional security concerns exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the recent explosion on a railway line connecting Warsaw to the Ukrainian border. He described the incident as an “unprecedented act of sabotage.” During a parliamentary address on Monday, Tusk revealed that the two suspects had long been collaborating with Russian secret services. He disclosed that their identities are known to the authorities but cannot be made public due to the ongoing investigation, adding that the suspects had already exited Poland, crossing into Belarus.
Western officials have consistently accused Russia and its proxies of orchestrating various attacks and incidents across Europe in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine over three years ago. According to data compiled by The Associated Press, Moscow's overarching objective appears to be destabilizing support for Ukraine, instilling fear, and fracturing unity within European societies.
The series of developments highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and underscores Poland's commitment to addressing perceived threats from Russia. As the situation evolves, the international community remains vigilant regarding the potential implications of these actions on European security and stability.
