Two individuals from Ukraine who were working on behalf of Russia are suspected of causing an explosion on a railway track in Poland, as announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday. Tusk revealed during a session in the Polish parliament that these suspects had been in collaboration with Russian intelligence services for an extended period. Although their identities are known, they cannot be disclosed due to ongoing inquiries, with the pair having already left Poland.
The incident, described by Tusk as an unprecedented act of sabotage, occurred on the rail line connecting Warsaw, the capital of Poland, to the Ukrainian border. Additionally, another segment of the same rail line further south experienced damage to power lines, which Polish authorities are now confirming as another act of sabotage.
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian presidency, responded to Polish allegations implicating two Ukrainian nationals working for Russia in the sabotage, stating that blaming Russia first in such situations would be expected. He emphasized that Russia is frequently accused of various forms of warfare in Poland and highlighted the prevalence of Russophobia.
According to Western officials and data compiled by The Associated Press, Russia and its proxies have been accused of orchestrating numerous attacks and incidents across Europe since the invasion of Ukraine over three years ago. The objective, as stated by Western officials, is to weaken support for Ukraine, instill fear, and sow discord within European societies.
A meeting of the National Security Committee, including military leaders, intelligence heads, and a presidential representative, convened earlier on Tuesday to address the situation. The defence minister disclosed that army patrols have been deployed to ensure the safety of railways and crucial infrastructure in the eastern region of the country.
Polish prosecutors have launched an investigation into acts of sabotage with a terrorist intent directed at railway infrastructure, believed to have been carried out for the benefit of foreign intelligence services. Prosecutors emphasized that these actions posed an immediate threat of a significant traffic disaster, endangering numerous lives, health, and extensive property.
The initial incident involved an explosion damaging the tracks near Mika village, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Warsaw, while a separate occurrence saw power lines destroyed in the Puławy area, around 50 kilometers from Lublin. Trains transporting passengers were halted at both locations, although no injuries were reported.
Prime Minister Tusk indicated on Monday that the explosion near Mika was likely aimed at targeting a passing train. The repairs for the damages at both sites have since been completed.