Two Ukrainian citizens are involved in acts of sabotage on the railway in Poland. Their identities have been established. They managed to cross the border into Belarus before Polish law enforcement detected them. This was stated by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during his speech in the Sejm.
“The identified individuals are two Ukrainian citizens who have long cooperated with the Russian special services. This is the conclusion of our security services and the prosecutor’s office, as well as the result of cooperation with our allied services.” he said.
Tusk did not disclose the names of the suspects, as investigative actions are still ongoing.
“One of them was convicted by a court in Lviv. In May of this year, this Ukrainian citizen was convicted for acts of sabotage in Ukraine and is currently residing in Belarus. The second is a resident of Donbas who also entered Poland from Belarus together with the first suspect in the autumn of this year, shortly before the acts of sabotage.” Tusk said.
“After committing the sabotage in Mika, they left Polish territory through the Terespol border crossing. This happened immediately after the attack, before they were identified by the services. Polish services and the prosecutor’s office have all the data on these individuals, as well as a description of their appearance.” he continued.
The Prime Minister said that the first act of sabotage involved placing a steel clamp on the tracks in order to derail a train. The incident was intended to be recorded with a mobile phone connected to an external battery. This attempt failed.
Another incident occurred on the evening of 15 November. A device containing military-grade explosives was detonated. The detonation was carried out using a detonator connected to a 300-meter electric cable. Some amount of explosive material that did not detonate was also discovered.
“The device exploded as a freight train on the Warsaw–Puławy route was passing. It did not lead to a derailment, only causing minor damage to the floor of one wagon. The driver did not even notice the incident.” Tusk said.
The track damage was discovered only the next day by the driver of another train.
The head of government assured that Poland remains in contact with allied security services and is doing everything possible to identify all those involved in the sabotage and their accomplices. Tusk emphasized that this is the most serious security incident since the beginning of Russia’s
full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to him, 55 people have already been detained for various acts of sabotage, preparation of such acts, and cooperation with the Russian special services. Tusk shared details of the first incident, concerning an attempted arson in Wrocław. A Ukrainian citizen who had lived in Germany and was recruited by the Russian services was convicted for it. He attempted to set fire to a warehouse for money but was detained. He is now convicted and serving his sentence. Of the 55 detainees, 23 are in custody and 28 have been deported.
Tusk added that one of the goals of such actions is to fuel anti-Ukrainian sentiment, especially in countries like Poland, which has taken in a large number of Ukrainian refugees.
The Polish Prime Minister announced that a third level of threat is being introduced on selected railway sections in connection with terrorist risks. The rest of the country will remain under the existing second level.
“I have also instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to immediately take diplomatic measures to transfer to Poland, to return to Poland, the persons suspected of committing the terrorist attack – both in relation to the authorities of Belarus and of Russia. We will also take other actions which, I hope, will lead to the prompt apprehension of the perpetrators and their accomplices. We have also informed our partners and allied services about all the details of the operation.” Tusk said.
The government will also involve the military to strengthen the protection of infrastructure facilities.