Poland’s decision to shut down the last Russian consulate in Gdansk marks another significant step in the escalating diplomatic tensions between Warsaw and Moscow
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced the closure of the remaining Russian consulate in Gdansk during an address to the Polish parliament. This decision follows a series of railway sabotage incidents in Poland, with local authorities implicating Moscow in the attacks. The incidents, which targeted lines transporting Western military aid to Ukraine, led to the involvement of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in investigating the matter. The attacks were attributed to two Ukrainians suspected of working for Russian intelligence, who were later identified as having fled to Belarus after the incidents.
Russia has vowed to retaliate by reducing Poland’s diplomatic presence in its territory following the closure of the Gdansk consulate. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow would mirror Poland’s actions, reducing its diplomatic presence in Russia. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the situation as a complete deterioration of relations with Poland, dismissing Warsaw’s actions as lacking common sense.
Poland’s decision comes in the wake of a series of retaliatory measures by both sides. In May 2024, Poland closed its Russian consulate in Krakow, citing Moscow’s alleged involvement in a fire at a Warsaw mall. Russia responded in July by closing Poland’s consulate in Kaliningrad. This pattern of reciprocal closures has continued, with last October’s closure of the Russian consulate in Poznan followed by Moscow’s closure of the Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg in December.
Despite the escalating tensions, Sikorski emphasized that Poland does not intend to sever diplomatic ties with Russia. The decision to close the Gdansk consulate, however, marks a significant escalation in the bilateral relationship, which has been strained since the early stages of the Ukraine conflict. The ongoing diplomatic maneuvering reflects a complex interplay of geopolitical interests and retaliatory measures, with both nations continuing to respond to each other’s actions with further closures and sanctions.
The situation highlights the deepening divide between Poland and Russia, with each side accusing the other of undermining diplomatic relations. The closure of the last Russian consulate in Gdansk is not only a symbolic move but also a practical step towards limiting the influence of Russian diplomatic presence in Poland. This decision, combined with the previous closures, underscores the fragile state of bilateral relations and the potential for further escalation in the region.