Credited from: CBSNEWS
Polish authorities have identified two Ukrainian citizens as suspects in recent acts of sabotage on the Warsaw–Lublin intercity rail line, coinciding with heightened tensions in the region. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the individuals had been collaborating with Russian intelligence and fled to Belarus shortly after the incidents. These acts of sabotage are seen as a direct threat to Poland's security, particularly given the war in Ukraine and its implications for NATO defenses, according to AA and BBC.
On the weekend, an explosion damaged critical railway infrastructure near the village of Mika, with another incident further south impacting power lines. Tusk described the sabotage as "unprecedented" and escalated concerns regarding the integrity of Poland’s transportation systems, which are vital for delivering military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The incidents have prompted investigations into "acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature" perpetrated for the benefit of foreign intelligence, as stated by Polish prosecutors, according to Al Jazeera and CBS News.
Tusk noted that one of the suspects had previously been convicted for sabotage by a Ukrainian court. The prime minister indicated that the suspects had been operating under the direction of Russian services, which further complicates the geopolitical landscape following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Tusk warned that these actions could heighten anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland, exacerbating tensions within the nation, as reported by Le Monde and AA.
The investigation continues, with both military and intelligence agencies coordinating efforts to enhance the security of vital infrastructure throughout Poland. This situation reflects broader concerns among NATO allies regarding potential hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia, which include sabotage and disinformation campaigns, according to Le Monde, CBS News, and BBC.