Closure of Russian Consulate in Poznan: Polish Response to Sabotage Allegations
In a significant diplomatic move, the Polish Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that ten employees of the Russian consulate general in Poznan will be required to leave Poland. This decision comes in the wake of Warsaw’s directive to shut down the consular office, a reaction to recent allegations of sabotage linked to Russian operatives.
According to ministry spokesman PaweĹ‚ WroĹ„ski, “Three diplomats and five administrative and technical staff will depart from the Russian consulate in Poznan, along with two personnel who were slated to be accredited in Poland but will no longer receive that designation.” He further mentioned that these individuals are expected to vacate the country by early November.
Polish Foreign Minister RadosĹ‚aw Sikorski emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating on Tuesday that he would instruct the closure of one of the three Russian consulates operating in Poland. This decision is a direct response to acts of sabotage, including arson attacks that Sikorski asserts were orchestrated by Moscow. He called for Russia to cease its hybrid warfare tactics against Poland and its Western allies, warning that Warsaw is prepared to implement “further decisive measures” should the aggression persist.
Sikorski revealed, “As foreign minister, I have credible information indicating that the Russian Federation is implicated in sabotage efforts not only in Poland but also in allied nations.” He declared that he was revoking permission for a new Russian consulate to open in Poznan, labeling its staff as unwelcome in Poland. Currently, Russia operates consulates in Gdansk and Krakow alongside the one in Poznan.
‘Prepare for Diplomatic Fallout’
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Sikorski referenced the arrest of a Ukrainian citizen in January, who reportedly confessed to being instructed by Russian agents to execute an arson attack in the city of Wrocław. This planned attack was thwarted, and the suspect, identified only as Sergei S, is currently awaiting trial. Sikorski noted that there are approximately 20 suspected saboteurs under investigation in Poland, with further indications of similar arson plans targeting allied countries.
“Putin needs to be restrained,” Sikorski asserted during an interview with the Polish outlet TVN on Monday. “We are witnessing similar arson attacks occurring throughout Europe, and we are aware of additional plans originating from Russia.” The pro-European government in Warsaw has consistently voiced concerns that the Kremlin is engaging in a hybrid war against the West as retaliation for the support extended to Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russian full-scale invasion.
Related Developments
- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland seek EU funding to enhance border security with Russia.
- Poland enforces stricter entry regulations following a cash-for-visas scandal involving the ruling PiS party.
In response to Poland’s actions, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued a stern warning, stating that Russia would not hesitate to retaliate. “Polish diplomats, get ready,” she cautioned in a statement to the state-run news agency Tass. Meanwhile, three Polish consulates continue to operate in Russia, located in Kaliningrad, St Petersburg, and Irkutsk.