Poland’s Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, has made the decision to shut down the last remaining Russian consulate in Gdansk, as a response to the escalating tensions between the two nations. This decision comes after several instances of railway sabotage in Poland, which local authorities have attributed to Russian operatives. The Polish government has been increasingly vocal in its accusations against Russia, citing these incidents as a justification for the move.
The closure of the Gdansk consulate is part of a broader pattern of deteriorating relations between Poland and Russia. Since May 2024, Poland has already closed the Russian consulate in Krakow, citing Moscow’s alleged involvement in a fire at a Warsaw mall. In response, Russia closed the Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg in December 2024. This back-and-forth has led to a significant reduction in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Russia has vowed to retaliate against Poland’s decision. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow would mirror the step, reducing Poland’s diplomatic presence in Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the move a reflection of ‘completely deteriorated’ relations with Poland, criticizing the decision as ‘having nothing to do with common sense.’ This exchange highlights the depth of the animosity between the two nations.
The decision to close the Gdansk consulate is also linked to recent railway sabotage incidents targeting lines used to transport Western military aid to Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that one of the attacks involved military-grade C4 explosive, leading to the identification of two Ukrainians as suspects, who were alleged to have worked for Russian intelligence and fled to Belarus post-attacks. Peskov, however, denied any Russian involvement in these incidents, stating they were attributable to ‘others.’ These events have further strained the already tenuous relationship between Poland and Russia.
The closure of the Gdansk consulate marks a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape between Poland and Russia. This move is not without precedent, as Poland has taken similar actions against Russian consulates in other cities, with Russia reciprocating each time. The implications of this decision could lead to further diplomatic isolation for Russia, particularly as European allies continue to strengthen their ties with Poland and other NATO members.
Overall, the closure of the Gdansk consulate represents a critical juncture in the bilateral relationship between Poland and Russia. The decision to cut diplomatic ties further underscores the deepening divide between the two countries, potentially leading to more retaliatory measures and a further escalation of tensions in the region.