Two Ukrainian individuals employed by Russia are suspected of causing an explosion on a railway track in Poland, as disclosed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday. Tusk revealed during his address to the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish parliament, that the two suspects had been working in collaboration with Russian secret services for an extended period. While their identities are known, they cannot be disclosed due to ongoing investigations. The duo has already departed Poland.
Describing the incident on a rail line connecting Warsaw, Poland’s capital, to the Ukrainian border as an “unprecedented act of sabotage,” Tusk highlighted the severity of the situation. Additionally, another incident involving the sabotage of power lines on a different segment of the same rail line further south has been confirmed by Polish authorities.
When questioned about the allegations made by Polish officials regarding two Ukrainian nationals linked to Russia being responsible for the railway line sabotage, Russia’s presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims, citing a tendency to blame Russia for such incidents. He emphasized that Russia is often accused of various forms of warfare in Poland, attributing it to Russophobia.
Western officials have accused Russia and its allies of orchestrating numerous attacks and incidents across Europe since the invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, according to data compiled by The Associated Press. The alleged goal of these actions, as per Western officials, is to undermine support for Ukraine, instill fear, and sow discord within European societies.
In response to the situation, Polish prosecutors have launched an investigation into acts of sabotage with a terrorist motive targeting railway infrastructure and carried out on behalf of foreign intelligence. These actions posed an imminent threat of a major traffic disaster, endangering lives, health, and extensive property, as stated by prosecutors.
A meeting of the National Security Committee, involving military leaders, intelligence service chiefs, and a presidential representative, occurred earlier on Tuesday to address the situation. The defense minister announced the deployment of army patrols to ensure the safety of railways and essential infrastructure in the eastern region of the country.
The incidents involved an explosion damaging tracks near Mika village, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Warsaw, and destruction of power lines in the Puławy area, about 50 kilometers from Lublin. Trains carrying passengers were halted at both sites, with no reported injuries. Tusk mentioned on Monday that the explosion near Mika was likely aimed at derailing a train. The damages at both locations have been repaired post-incident.
