Gdańsk demands 2.2 million złoty from Russia amid a dispute over unpaid rent for the former consulate building.
Closure of Russian Consulate
On November 19, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Gdańsk, responding to an act of diversion involving damaged railway tracks near Życzyn. The Deputy Prime Minister had previously warned Moscow that continued hostile actions would lead to reduced diplomatic presence.
As noted by Sikorski, attacks not only persisted but escalated, prompting the decision to withdraw consent for the consulate’s operation in Gdańsk.
Russian Response
Buildings on Batorego Street were scheduled to be vacated by December 23, but city authorities received a letter from the Russian embassy the day before the deadline. The embassy stated an administrative employee would remain, preventing physical takeover of the properties.
Vice-President of Gdańsk Emilia Łodzińska cited the Russian claim that the property belongs to the Federation, but clarified that the buildings actually belong to the State Treasury.
Legal Action
City Spokesperson Daniel Stenzel confirmed Gdańsk has no access to the buildings and is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This includes initiating enforcement for 358,000 złoty awarded by a court in March of last year.
A new demand for over 2.2 million złoty for unauthorized use is being prepared for submission to the Russian ambassador per international protocol. Property seizure would require a final court judgment and bailiff enforcement.
Historical Background
Russian diplomats occupied the villa at 13 and 15 Stefana Batorego Street in 1951 under an agreement for free use. After the USSR’s collapse, the property transferred to the State Treasury, as documented in the land register.
Despite this, Russia has treated the buildings as its own for decades without payment. Since 2013, the city has charged fees, with accumulated arrears reaching approximately 5.5 million złoty plus 3 million zł in interest.