Poland ordered Russian consulate to close in Krakow, citing arson attack blamed Moscow
Warsaw, Poland (AP) – Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said on Monday that he ordered the closure of Russia's Russian consulate in the southern city of Krakow after Polish authorities said Russia destroyed a fire last year that destroyed a shopping mall in Warsaw last year.
“Related to evidence of the destruction of the Russian Special Services in the shopping mall on Marywilska Street, I decided to withdraw my consent to the operations of the Russian Federation consulate in Krakow,” Sikorski said in a statement.
On May 12, 2024, a fire broke out at the Marywilska 44 Shopping Center, which has about 1,400 stores and service points. Many suppliers are from Vietnam, which has caused tragedy in the Vietnamese community in Warsaw.
The news comes from European concerns about Russia's attempt to undermine the region through covert operations.
In the past, Russia has denied allegations that it is conducting such attacks.
“Polish officials are sure now that the fire in Marywilska is the result of a commissioned arson by the Russian Service,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X later Sunday.
“These operations were coordinated by people living in Russia. Some of the perpetrators have been detained, while the rest have been identified and are seeking,” Tasker said. “We will catch them!”
