Polish PM Reveals Ukrainian Agents Working for Russia in Rail Sabotage Plot
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that two Ukrainian nationals are implicated in a series of sabotage incidents targeting Poland’s rail infrastructure. These individuals have a history of working with Russian intelligence.
Sabotage Incidents on Polish Railways
The suspects have been linked to two significant acts of sabotage on the Warsaw-Lublin railway line. Tusk described these actions as an “unprecedented act of sabotage,” highlighting their potential to disrupt vital transport routes.
Details of the Incidents
- On 15 November, a C4 explosive device detonated near Mika, causing minor damage to a freight train’s wagon floor.
- The explosion occurred at about 21:00 local time, while the train was moving. CCTV footage captured the event.
- On 17 November, another sabotage incident involved damage to the railway infrastructure, leading a train with 475 passengers to make a sudden stop.
Investigative Findings
Tusk informed parliament that one of the suspects is a resident of eastern Ukraine, while the other resides in Belarus. Both individuals had crossed from Belarus into Poland during the autumn and have since returned through the Terespol border crossing.
Polish authorities initially indicated that these acts may have originated from a foreign service. Subsequently, officials pointed toward ties to Russian special services, although Russia has yet to respond to these allegations.
Impact on Polish Rail Security
The prime minister announced plans to elevate the alert status on specific railway lines in response to these security threats. Poland’s railway system is crucial for the transport of supplies into Ukraine, especially following Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.
Potential Consequences
The intent behind these actions, according to Tusk, was likely to instigate significant disruptions within the rail network. This incident underscores the rising tension in the region and the complexities involved in ensuring security for essential infrastructure.
