On 19 November, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs revoked Russia’s consent to operate its Gdańsk consulate, prompting Moscow to promise retaliatory action.
Closure of the Russian consulate in Poland
On 19 November, Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a note to Russia withdrawing permission for the Russian consulate in Gdańsk to operate; all staff must leave the country.
Reasons cited by Polish officials
Vice‑premier Radosław Sikorski said the closure was a response to Russian sabotage on Polish railways, including recent incidents on the Warsaw‑Lublin line.
Russia announces retaliatory actions
Maria Zacharowa, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warned that Moscow would take counter‑measures and reduce Polish diplomatic and consular missions in Russia.
Acts of sabotage in Poland
On the weekend, sabotage was reported on the Warsaw‑Lublin route; a section of track near the Mika station was blown up and metal objects were left on the tracks near Puławy. Authorities identified the suspects as two Ukrainian citizens who had worked for Russia and escaped to Belarus after the attacks.