On December 22, Gdańsk Vice‑President Emilia Lodzińska announced that the Russian Embassy insists it owns the former consulate at 15 Batorego Street, prompting a legal challenge from Poland.
Russian Claim of Ownership
The Russian Embassy asserts that the consulate’s current location on 15 Batorego Street is part of its former property holdings and should be returned as compensation for the original consular building in Gdańsk once owned by Moscow since 1716.
Gdańsk Counter‑Claims
Vice‑President Lodzińska clarified that land titles show the State Treasury as sole owner of the sites at 13 and 15 Batorego, rejecting Russia’s assertion and stating the claim contradicts existing legal documents.
Legal Action Pending
She announced a petition to the General Prosecutor to file a court suit on behalf of the Treasury, with proceedings expected to take around two years; a successful outcome would lead to the property’s seizure through court enforcement.
Consulate Closure Announced
On December 18, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski declared the Gdańsk consulate closed in response to rail sabotage near Żychyna, warning that continued Kremlin aggression would result in a withdrawing of Russian diplomatic presence.
Future Jurisdiction
According to the Vienna Convention, the building at 15 Batorego Street will no longer be protected after December 23, falling under Polish courts and authorities, and becoming subject to Polish legal jurisdiction.
