Poland will introduce restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats on its territory says Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
“These are national decisions, but we have evidence that the Russian state is involved in authorising sabotage in our country as well. We hope that the Russian Federation will treat this as a very serious warning,” Radoslaw Sikorski told journalists in Brussels.
According to Radoslaw Sikorski, these restrictions are due to Moscow’s involvement in a hybrid war against the European Union.
Sikorski added that the embassy would receive a note on the matter soon and that the restriction would apply to all embassy and consulate personnel except for the ambassador. They will be allowed to travel only within their assigned province.
Relations between Poland and Russia have deteriorated sharply since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022.
Warsaw has also accused Moscow of spying activity and taking part in acts of sabotage on its territory.
On May 21 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Russia was allegedly behind fires that hit Poland, including one that destroyed Warsaw’s largest shopping centre.
“We are examining the threads and it is likely that the Russian services had something to do with the Warsaw fire,” said Tusk.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said evidence was emerging that Russia was behind at least some of the fires that hit Poland in recent days, including one that destroyed Warsaw’s largest shopping centre. https://t.co/u5ZvhSSJe8
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) May 22, 2024