Polish PM Points Finger at Russian-Backed Saboteurs
Polish authorities have identified two Ukrainian nationals, accused of collaborating with Russian intelligence, as the perpetrators behind a significant explosion on a railway line crucial for transporting military aid to Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the individuals intended to cause a major catastrophe and have since fled across the border into Belarus.
A New Stage of Threat to Critical Infrastructure
The incident occurred on Sunday on a section of track near Mika village, approximately 80 miles from the Polish-Ukrainian border. A train driver reported the damage, which led to an immediate investigation. Officials confirmed that a train carrying two passengers and several staff members was on the line at the time, but no injuries were reported.
Security services minister Tomasz Siemoniak described the attack as marking "a new stage of threatening the railway infrastructure." He emphasised that authorities were dealing with the intelligence services of a foreign state, rather than common criminals. The damaged track is part of the Warsaw-Lublin line, a route Prime Minister Tusk branded as "crucially important for delivering aid to Ukraine."
Investigation and Wider Context of Sabotage
In response to the blast, Polish defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that the military is inspecting a 120km (75 mile) stretch of track leading towards Ukraine. Mr Tusk vowed to catch those responsible, insisting that "just like in previous cases of this kind, we will catch the perpetrators, regardless of who their backers are."
This act of sabotage is the latest in a wave of arson, cyber attacks, and other disruptive incidents that have hit Poland and other European nations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Warsaw has repeatedly stated that its role as a hub for aid to Kyiv makes it a prime target for Moscow, which has consistently denied involvement in acts of sabotage.
In a related incident on Sunday evening, Lublin police reported that a passenger train with 475 people on board suddenly stopped, with windows in one carriage broken, possibly due to a damaged traction line. The cause remains under investigation.
