Poland condemns Russia’s closure of consulate in Kaliningrad, vows "appropriate response"

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the Russian Federation’s decision to close Poland’s Consulate General in Kaliningrad, describing the move as an unjustified and retaliatory act.

The closure follows Poland’s shutdown of the Russian consulate in Krakow last year, a measure taken after investigations linked Russian security services to an arson attack at a shopping mall on Marywilska Street.

Paweł Wroński, spokesperson for the Polish MFA, emphasized that Poland’s action was based on legitimate security concerns and is not hostile towards Russia as a state. “Poland is not conducting any actions against the Russian state,” Wroński stated, calling the Russian closure a “reciprocal reaction” that lacks justification, Caliber.Az reports via Polish media.

While Wroński did not specify the details, he assured that Poland will issue an “appropriate response” to Moscow’s decision. The Polish government is reportedly considering diplomatic and legal measures to address the situation, underscoring Warsaw’s commitment to protecting its interests.

In addition, the MFA issued a strong warning to Polish citizens about traveling to Russia, citing risks of arbitrary accusations and detentions. “Tourists can turn into persons accused of various things,” Wroński warned, reflecting the heightened tensions affecting bilateral relations.

Russian authorities have set a deadline for the Polish consulate to vacate the premises in Kaliningrad by August 29, intensifying the diplomatic standoff between the two countries.

On July 11, 2025, Russia announced it would withdraw its consent for the operation of the Polish Consulate General in Kaliningrad, effective August 29, in retaliation for Poland’s closure of the Russian Consulate General in Krakow earlier that year. The Russian government condemned Poland’s decision as “unjustified and hostile,” accusing Warsaw of reducing Russia’s consular presence in Poland on “spurious pretexts.” In response, Russia summoned the Polish chargé d’affaires in Moscow to deliver a formal diplomatic note outlining the measure.

By Vugar Khalilov