**Poland Shuts Down Russian Consulate in Krakow Over Arson Attack Claims**
In a move that is likely to escalate tensions between Poland and Russia, the Polish government has revoked permission for Russia to operate a consulate in Krakow. The decision comes after evidence emerged that Russian intelligence services were behind an arson attack on a shopping center in Warsaw last year.
According to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, the move was made “in view of evidence” that Russian intelligence services orchestrated the sabotage act against the shopping center at Marywilska Street. The massive fire destroyed the shopping center and approximately 1,400 stores were affected.
The arson attack on May 12, 2024, was a major incident in Poland, with Justice Minister Adam Bodnar and Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak confirming Moscow’s role in the attack. They cited detailed intelligence and revealed that some of the perpetrators had already been detained. The Polish authorities are cooperating with Lithuania to investigate the case.
**Russian Denials and Threats**
The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned Warsaw’s move, warning that Russia “will respond.” This is not the first time that Russia has faced allegations of sabotage operations across Europe. Western intelligence officials have warned about increasing Russian sabotage operations, with arson attacks targeting other EU countries.
In Lithuania, authorities suspect that Russia’s intelligence services orchestrated an arson attack on an IKEA warehouse in Vilnius, which caused an estimated 500,000 euros ($545,000) in damage. The Polish authorities have also linked Russia to the Warsaw shopping center attack.
**Escalating Tensions**
The closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow is likely to further escalate tensions between Poland and Russia. This move comes at a time when Western intelligence officials are warning about increasing Russian sabotage operations across Europe.
Polish authorities have been cooperative with Lithuania, where the detained suspects allegedly carried out additional sabotage attacks. The investigation into the fire or the suspects detained has not provided any additional details.
**A Pattern of Sabotage**
This is not the first time that suspected spy networks run by Minsk and Moscow have been uncovered in Poland over the past years. The Polish authorities have faced allegations of Russian espionage, with various cases being reported in recent times.
The closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow is a significant move that highlights the growing tensions between Poland and Russia. As Western intelligence officials continue to warn about increasing Russian sabotage operations across Europe, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to this latest development.
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