FM: Poland ready for Russian countermove after consulate closure

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has said that Poland is preparing for the possibility that Russia will respond to Warsaw's decision to close the Russian consulate in Kraków by shutting one of the remaining Polish consulates in Russia.

Sikorski addressed the situation during a press conference at a meeting of European foreign ministers in London, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

He indicated that Poland anticipates a proportional response from Moscow. "Of course, we expect Russia to take [proportional steps]," Sikorski said.

In addition to this, Sikorski called on European Union nations to impose restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within their countries, emphasising the need for solidarity in handling Russia's diplomatic activities. 

Poland has not ruled out taking further measures against Russia following the closure of the Russian consulate in Kraków, signalling a tough stance on Russia's actions. 

Sikorski added, "The Russian consulate will have to close. They still have one remaining. If these attacks continue, we will take further steps."

On May 12, Sikorski announced the decision to close Russia's consulate in Kraków, citing alleged confirmed involvement of Russian intelligence services in the arson of a shopping centre on Marywilska Street, where a fire occurred in May 2024. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded, stating that Moscow would soon provide an appropriate response to Warsaw's inadequate actions.

The closure of Russia's consulate in Kraków marks the second time Polish authorities have used unsubstantiated accusations against Moscow as a justification for such measures. In October 2024, Sikorski declared the closure of Russia's consulate in Poznań, citing alleged Russian involvement in attempts to set fire to locations in Wrocław. In retaliation, the Russian Foreign Ministry shut down Poland's consulate in St. Petersburg.

By Naila Huseynova