On Dec. 25, Russian FM spokeswoman Marija Zacharowa warned that Polish attempts to seize the Russian consulate in Gdańsk are illegal, cited severe consequences, and noted the building remains Russian property.
Zacharowa Urges Poles to Consider Consequences
On Thursday, Dec. 25, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marija Zacharowa warned that Polish officials who sought to take over the Russian consulate at 6/10 Batorego Street, Gdańsk, should first consider the legal and diplomatic repercussions of such actions. She called the move illegal and provocative.
Russian Consulate in Gdańsk: Property Status
Zacharowa emphasized that although the consulate’s operations had ceased, the building is owned by Russia and was handed over from the USSR for free use in the post‑war period. She said the property remains Russian sovereign territory.
Polish Closure of Consulate After Sabotage Allegations
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced on Nov. 19 that the Gdańsk consulate would be shut down in response to railway sabotage incidents attributed to Russian services. Polish authorities failed to enter the premises before the deadline of Dec. 23.
Russian Embassy Refuses to Relocate Consulate Staff
The Russian embassy stated that consulate personnel would not leave the building, asserting that Russia considers the property its own and that the staff are entitled to remain there.