Warsaw summons Russian diplomat over strike on Polish factory in Ukraine

Poland has summoned a representative of the Russian embassy following a drone strike on a Polish-owned facility in the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

The incident took place on July 16, when Russian-launched Shahed drones struck a facility owned by Barlinek Group, a Polish company specialising in the production of floor coverings. The factory, located in central Ukraine, is engaged solely in civilian manufacturing, Polish officials emphasised, Caliber.Az reports

"Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland informed a representative of the Russian embassy that the attack on the Barlinek factory in Vinnytsia, which is a Polish business and is exclusively engaged in civilian production, is a violation of international law," the ministry said in a statement on X.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski condemned the attack, describing it as seemingly deliberate based on preliminary assessments from the company’s management. He also expressed hope that the European Union will move swiftly to adopt its 18th package of sanctions against Russia in response to continued aggression.

Sikorski further reiterated Poland's commitment to supporting Ukraine, pledging continued military assistance.

By Sabina Mammadli