**Poland and Czech Republic Push to Restrict Russian Diplomats’ Movement in Schengen Area**
In a move aimed at curbing alleged espionage and sabotage activities, Poland and the Czech Republic are leading efforts to restrict the free movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area. The initiative, which began in Prague last November, has gained support from seven other European countries.
According to Polish media outlet Rzeczpospolita, the proposal seeks to limit Russian diplomats to their consular districts, a restriction already implemented in Poland. Currently, only 21 Russian diplomats remain in Poland, confined to Warsaw, Gdansk, and Krakow. This move reflects growing security concerns across Europe amid suspected Russian sabotage on EU territory.
**Security Concerns Rise Amid Suspected Russian Sabotage**
Tensions have escalated sharply after suspected Russian sabotage attacks were reported on IKEA warehouses in Vilnius and a shopping center in Warsaw. Lithuanian authorities believe that Russian intelligence orchestrated these attacks, which were carried out by Ukrainian nationals allegedly recruited by Russian operatives.
Western officials have warned of coordinated Russian efforts to destabilize European countries that support Ukraine. Intelligence services across NATO have reported an uptick in Russian sabotage and infiltration operations since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
**Restrictions Would Mark Rare Rollback of Schengen Freedom**
If adopted, the proposed restrictions would mark a rare rollback of passport-free travel across borders within the Schengen Area. This move reflects growing concerns over national security and counter-intelligence efforts to prevent Russian espionage activities.
Colonel Jacek Maka, former head of Poland’s ABW counterintelligence service, commented on the proposal, stating: “Any idea that makes it harder for the Russians to conduct intelligence activities in Poland and the European Union is justified. This is not about diplomacy; these are de facto spies.”
**Regional Developments**
In Ukraine, regional authorities reported at least six civilians killed and 17 injured, including a child, due to Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions over the past day.
Meanwhile, in Russia, a drone strike on a residential building in Kursk Oblast killed one person and injured nine others. The attack highlights ongoing violence and human suffering in Ukraine and surrounding areas.
**Global Implications**
The proposed cuts to the US State Department’s budget for next fiscal year would reportedly leave $28.4 billion for all State Department activities, a 48% reduction from the 2025 budget approved by Congress. This development raises concerns over diplomatic efforts to counter Russian aggression.
US President Donald Trump has stated his intention to resist territorial concessions to Moscow, amid reported warnings from US officials on the direction of the Trump administration’s diplomacy.
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