In a startling revelation, Poland's Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski disclosed that evidence exists indicating that Russia orchestrated the massive fire at the Marywilska shopping center last year. During an exclusive interview with the BBC, he asserted that Moscow's recruitment of arsonists through the Telegram platform presents a serious threat to both security and diplomatic relations. Following a thorough investigation, Polish officials concluded that this act of sabotage aimed to destabilize local business operations, particularly affecting the Vietnamese community in Warsaw.
**Poland Accuses Russia of Orchestrating Warsaw Shopping Center Arson via Social Media**
**Poland Accuses Russia of Orchestrating Warsaw Shopping Center Arson via Social Media**
Polish authorities allege that Russian operatives leveraged Telegram to recruit arsonists responsible for a devastating shopping center fire in Warsaw.
Sikorski stated, "We have evidence that they commissioned people living in Poland… It was by miracle that nobody was hurt, but this is completely unacceptable." In response to the incident, Poland has shuttered its second Russian consulate, following the closure of the one in Poznań last year. He emphasized that Poland would continue to safeguard its interests and take necessary measures against any further hybrid warfare.
While these claims have drawn ire from Moscow, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled Poland's accusations as “Russophobic,” asserting that they lack foundation and only worsen bilateral relations. The ongoing tensions are compounded by Poland's history of detaining individuals linked to Russian intelligence and its deep-rooted concerns surrounding national security.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that several parties involved in the fire have already been apprehended, while investigations continue for those still at large. The shopping center incident left many local vendors facing significant financial losses and challenges, including lost documentation and cash. In a response to the disaster, a new shopping center opened in October to accommodate displaced businesses and aid community recovery.
As diplomatic negotiations between Poland and Russia escalate, the focus remains on safeguarding national interests while navigating the complexities of hybrid warfare in the region.
While these claims have drawn ire from Moscow, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled Poland's accusations as “Russophobic,” asserting that they lack foundation and only worsen bilateral relations. The ongoing tensions are compounded by Poland's history of detaining individuals linked to Russian intelligence and its deep-rooted concerns surrounding national security.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that several parties involved in the fire have already been apprehended, while investigations continue for those still at large. The shopping center incident left many local vendors facing significant financial losses and challenges, including lost documentation and cash. In a response to the disaster, a new shopping center opened in October to accommodate displaced businesses and aid community recovery.
As diplomatic negotiations between Poland and Russia escalate, the focus remains on safeguarding national interests while navigating the complexities of hybrid warfare in the region.
