Poland is among the countries most exposed to Russian hostile actions, according to intelligence analysts. The Kremlin has already conducted sabotage operations targeting Polish territory and is expected to escalate them in the near future. Warsaw’s strategic location on NATO’s eastern flank and its central role in coordinating European military aid for Ukraine make it a top priority for Moscow.
Polish security services have no doubt that the fire that destroyed a large shopping hall at Marywilska 44 in Warsaw last year was not an accident. Investigators say the blaze was set deliberately by individuals acting on behalf of or in the interest of Russia. – The collected evidence indicates intentional arson. An international criminal group cooperating with Russian special services was involved – said Przemysław Nowak, spokesman for the National Prosecutor’s Office.
Two people have been charged in connection with the case. One suspect has been arrested and is awaiting extradition in Lithuania. The other remains in Russia, which blocks the completion of extradition proceedings. Warsaw has repeatedly demanded that Moscow hand over the suspect, but the Kremlin has refused to cooperate.
Poland remains a priority target for Russian destabilisation
Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Bejda told parliament that Poland will remain a key area of interest for Russian intelligence for years to come. In a written response to a parliamentary question, he stated that the risk of sabotage acts will stay high and, under certain scenarios, may even increase. His assessment matches confidential reports circulated among NATO allies.
Major Robert Cheda, a former officer of Poland’s Intelligence Agency, shares this grim outlook. – Poland continues to be a priority target for Russian destabilisation operations – he said in an interview with Dziennik Gazeta Prawna. He pointed out that weakening Poland’s position would help Russia break European unity and build influence through bilateral deals with other EU member states.
Kremlin aims to deepen social divisions and undermine trust
Cheda emphasised that the Kremlin is systematically trying to deepen social tensions and political divisions within Poland. – Russia will keep using sabotage as a tool to erode citizens’ trust in state institutions – he added. The former intelligence officer noted that Poland currently operates in a demanding and unstable security environment, and rising geopolitical tensions are likely to encourage further hybrid attacks.
Polish counterintelligence has recorded a sharp increase in the number of suspicious incidents involving potential Russian agents. These range from cyber intrusions targeting government networks to attempts at infiltrating key logistics hubs that handle Western weapons shipments to Ukraine. Several foreign nationals with links to Russian intelligence have been detained and expelled over the past 18 months.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PAP/Paweł Jaskółka
