Two individuals from Ukraine, who were reportedly working for Russia, are believed to have caused an explosion on a railway line in Poland over the weekend, as stated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday. Addressing the Sejm, the lower chamber of the Polish parliament, Tusk revealed that the two suspects had a long-standing collaboration with Russian secret services. While their identities are known, they cannot be disclosed to the public due to ongoing investigations. The suspects have already left Poland.
Tusk characterized the incident, which occurred on a rail line connecting Warsaw to the Ukrainian border, as an “unprecedented act of sabotage.” Additionally, in a separate incident further south along the same rail line, power lines were also deliberately damaged, now confirmed by Polish authorities as another act of sabotage.
In response to claims by Polish officials implicating two Ukrainian nationals working for Russia in the railway sabotage, Russia’s presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that it would not be surprising for Russia to be blamed first. Peskov stated that Russia is frequently accused of various forms of warfare in Poland, citing prevalent 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 Ukrainian invasion over three years ago. The alleged goal of Moscow, as per Western officials, is to erode support for Ukraine, instill fear, and sow discord among European nations.
Polish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the acts of sabotage targeting railway infrastructure, described as having a terrorist nature and being conducted for the benefit of foreign intelligence. These actions posed an imminent threat of a major traffic disaster jeopardizing the lives, health, and property of many individuals on a large scale. The National Security Committee, comprising military leaders, intelligence heads, and a presidential representative, convened earlier in the day to address the situation.
Army patrols have been deployed to ensure the safety of railways and critical infrastructure in the eastern part of Poland, according to the defense minister. The incidents, one involving an explosion near Mika village and the other damaging power lines near Puławy, led to the temporary halting of passenger trains at the affected sites, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Prime Minister Tusk suggested that the explosion near Mika was likely intended to target a passing train. Subsequently, the damaged infrastructure at both locations has been repaired.