Russia has taken a retaliatory step by closing the Polish consulate in Irkutsk, mirroring Poland’s earlier closure of its consulate in Gdansk. This move is part of a broader diplomatic standoff between the two nations, which has escalated following accusations of Russian sabotage on Poland’s rail network.
The Polish government has been vocal about its allegations, stating that Russian operatives were responsible for the sabotage incidents that disrupted rail transport in several regions. In response, Poland closed its consulate in Gdansk, a step that has now prompted Russia to reciprocate by shutting down its consulate in Irkutsk. Both countries have been engaging in a series of retaliatory measures, with this latest incident highlighting the deteriorating diplomatic relations between Moscow and Warsaw.
Analysts suggest that the closure of the consulates is more symbolic than substantive, serving as a means to exert political pressure rather than a direct economic impact. However, the situation could still have implications for bilateral relations, particularly as both nations continue to grapple with the broader context of their geopolitical rivalry in Eastern Europe.