Prime Minister Tusk Alleges Russian Special Services Behind Devastating Fire

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has made a startling accusation, asserting that the massive fire that engulfed the Marywilska shopping center in Warsaw in May 2024 was a deliberate act of sabotage orchestrated by Russian special services.The blaze, which decimated approximately 1,400 businesses, predominantly impacting the city’s Vietnamese community, is now at the center of a growing international dispute.

We now know with certainty that the big fire of the Marywilska shopping center in Warsaw, is of criminal origin and has been orchestrated by Russian special services

Donald Tusk, Polish Prime Minister

Tusk stated that arrests have been made and other individuals involved have been identified, promising decisive action: We will all have you. These strong words underscore the gravity with which Poland is treating the situation.

Investigation Uncovers Cross-Border Conspiracy

A joint statement from the Polish Ministry of Justice and the Polish Interior Ministry revealed that the arson attack was allegedly organized and directed by a specific person residing in Russia. The investigation has expanded beyond Poland’s borders, with authorities collaborating with their Lithuanian counterparts. This cooperation stems from evidence suggesting that individuals implicated in the Warsaw shopping center fire may have also engaged in acts of diversion within lithuania.

Diplomatic Fallout: Poland Closes Russian Consulate in Krakow

In response to the alleged Russian involvement, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow. This move signifies a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.

In light of the evidence indicating that it was the Russian special services that committed the act of reprehensible sabotage against the shopping center on rue Marywilska, I decided to withdraw the operating authorization of the Russian Consulate in Krakow

Radosław Sikorski, Polish Foreign Minister

Moscow Denies involvement, Accuses Poland of Sabotaging Relations

Russia has vehemently denied any connection to the Warsaw shopping center fire. Russian Foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Warsaw of deliberately attempting to destroy bilateral relations and acting against its citizens. Zakharova warned that an appropriate response to these inadequate measures will soon follow, signaling a potential escalation of the conflict.

Impact on Warsaw’s Vietnamese Community

The marywilska shopping center was a vital hub for Warsaw’s Vietnamese community, with many families relying on businesses within the complex for their livelihoods. The fire has had a devastating economic and social impact, leaving many without jobs and sources of income. Support and recovery efforts are underway to assist those affected by the disaster.

Rising Concerns Over Alleged Russian Sabotage in Europe

This incident adds to growing concerns about alleged Russian sabotage operations across Europe. Several countries have reported suspected Russian involvement in various acts of disruption,ranging from cyberattacks to physical sabotage. These allegations have heightened security concerns and prompted increased vigilance among European nations.