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Poland announced Monday it will close a Russian consulate in Krakow, citing evidence that Russian intelligence services orchestrated a fire that destroyed a Warsaw shopping center last year.
"Due to evidence that it was the Russian secret services that carried out the reprehensible act of sabotage against the Marywilska shopping centre, I have decided to withdraw my authorisation for the activity of the Russian consulate in Krakow," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on X.
The closure marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which have deteriorated sharply since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Polish authorities have not yet released specific details about the evidence linking Russian operatives to the Marywilska shopping center fire. The retail complex, located in Warsaw's northeastern district, was a popular destination housing numerous small businesses.
Relations between Poland and Russia have been historically strained, with Warsaw being one of the most vocal European critics of Moscow's foreign policy. Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine throughout the conflict, providing military aid and welcoming millions of Ukrainian refugees.
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