Poland’s decision to shut down Russia’s consulate in Krakow has prompted Moscow to announce the closure of Poland’s consulate in Kaliningrad, situated between Poland and Lithuania. The Russian Foreign Ministry revealed the decision on Friday, following Poland’s action in May, when they shut the Russian consulate in Krakow after accusing Moscow of causing a fire in a Warsaw shopping center last year. The incident, which occurred on May 12, 2024, destroyed over 1,000 shops at the Marywilska 44 center, though no injuries were reported. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski accused Russian intelligence of a “reprehensible act of sabotage.” Moscow denied any involvement but had pledged a “suitable response.” On Friday, the Russian ministry declared its plans to end the Polish consulate’s operations in Kaliningrad from August 29, citing what it called “unfriendly” actions by Warsaw.
Poland’s charge d’affaires in Russia was summoned and informed in a formal note. The Russian government expressed that the closure was prompted by Poland’s supposed hostile measures, reducing Russian consular presence in Poland. Polish Foreign Ministry representative Pawel Wronski rejected Russia’s justification for closing the consulate, stressing that Poland would respond appropriately but devoid of incriminating actions such as sabotage or cyberattacks. He stressed that Poland’s foreign ministry had anticipated the potential for such a decision but reiterated its belief in the decision’s lack of justification.
Diplomatic relations between Poland and Russia have been strained, with tensions escalating amid Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. As a NATO and EU member, Poland is a vital channel for Western support to Kyiv. Amid mounting tensions in May 2024, Poland restricted the activities of Russian diplomats, citing Moscow’s involvement in a “hybrid war.” Poland later decided to close the Russian consulate in Poznan, with an openness to further closures if perceived “terrorism” persists. In a prior move in January, Russia had shut down the Polish consulate in St Petersburg in retaliation.
Currently, each nation maintains only one consulate in the other’s territory, aside from their embassies.
