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Poland Shutters Russia’s Last Consulate After Rail Sabotage Allegation

Warsaw says the move answers what it calls state-directed sabotage of a key rail link to Ukraine.

Overview

  • Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski withdrew the operating authorization for the Russian consulate in Gdańsk, leaving only the embassy in Warsaw open.
  • Poland attributes damage on the LublinWarsaw line to Russia, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk alleging two Ukrainians were sent to carry out the act.
  • Polish authorities say the suspected perpetrators fled to Belarus, and several people have been arrested as part of the investigation.
  • Sikorski labeled the rail incident an act of state terrorism and said a non-diplomatic response is being prepared, while urging EU partners to curb Russian diplomats’ movement within Schengen.
  • Moscow denies involvement, calls the decision evidence of Russophobia, and says it will reduce Poland’s diplomatic and consular presence in Russia in response.