In May 2024, Poland was rocked by news of a massive fire at the Marywilska shopping center in Warsaw, which destroyed around 1,400 shops and caused millions in damages. Initially, the incident seemed like a tragic accident, but the investigation quickly uncovered a shocking truth: it was a deliberate act of arson orchestrated by Russian intelligence services. In response to what Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called a “despicable act of sabotage,” Poland made a bold move—closing the Russian consulate in Kraków. This decision marks yet another escalation in tensions between Warsaw and Moscow, serving as a wake-up call for Europe about the growing threat of Russian hybrid warfare.
On a spring day in 2024, Warsaw woke to devastating news: the Marywilska shopping center, one of the city’s largest retail hubs, was engulfed in flames. The fire obliterated not just the building but also the livelihoods of hundreds of entrepreneurs whose businesses turned to ash in hours. Some 1,400 shops, employing thousands, were wiped out overnight. At first, authorities treated the blaze as a potential accident, but Polish law enforcement soon grew suspicious. A joint investigation by the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs confirmed the worst fears: this was no accident—it was arson.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk didn’t mince words, taking to X to declare: “We now know for certain that the massive fire at the Marywilska shopping center in Warsaw was caused by arson organized by Russian intelligence services.” His statement sent shockwaves through the country, marking the first time Poland directly accused Russia of orchestrating sabotage on its soil.
The investigation revealed that the Warsaw arson was not an isolated incident. Polish intelligence, working closely with their Lithuanian counterparts, uncovered links to a similar act of sabotage in Vilnius. In March 2024, a fire broke out at an IKEA store in the Lithuanian capital, and authorities there charged a Ukrainian minor who allegedly acted on orders from Russian intelligence. The teenager and an accomplice were promised €10,000 and a BMW as payment for carrying out the attack. This case raised alarm bells across the region, suggesting that Russia is not only deploying its own agents, but also recruiting vulnerable individuals from neighboring countries to destabilize Europe.
In Poland, the investigation has already yielded results: several suspects are in custody. According to a joint statement from the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs, their actions were coordinated by an individual based in Russia. “Their actions were organized and directed by a specific person residing in the Russian Federation,” the statement read. While many details remain classified, it’s clear that Poland has compelling evidence of Russian involvement.
Poland’s response was swift and decisive. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Kraków, citing the need to protect national security. “In light of evidence of Russian intelligence services committing a despicable act of sabotage at the Marywilska shopping center, I have decided to withdraw my consent for the operation of the Russian Federation’s consulate in Kraków,” he stated. The move is not just symbolic—it’s a significant strike against Russia’s diplomatic presence in Poland.
This isn’t the first time Poland has taken a hardline stance against Russia. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Warsaw has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv, providing weapons, humanitarian aid, and pushing for tough sanctions against Moscow. However, the Marywilska incident escalates the conflict to a new level, as it involves a direct attack on Polish infrastructure.
The fire at Marywilska and similar incidents in Lithuania point to a broader trend: Russia is intensifying its hybrid warfare against the European Union. Arson, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns are just some tools Moscow is using to sow chaos in the West. As a key NATO and EU member, Poland finds itself on the frontlines of this invisible battlefield. The closure of the Kraków consulate may be only the first step in countering such provocations.
For Ukraine, these events carry particular significance. They underscore the aggressive nature of the Russian regime, which stops at nothing to achieve its goals. The involvement of a Ukrainian minor in the Vilnius case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance: Russia is attempting to exploit Ukrainian citizens for its operations, which could harm Ukraine’s international reputation.
The closure of the Russian consulate in Kraków is more than a reaction to a single incident—it’s a warning to Europe that Russian hybrid threats are growing more dangerous. Poland, Lithuania, and other countries in the region are showing their readiness to confront these challenges, but victory requires a collective strategy. Enhanced intelligence sharing, stronger cross-border cooperation, and tougher sanctions against Russia are critical steps to halt further escalation.
For Ukrainians, this story is a reminder of the enemy we face. Russia’s aggression extends far beyond the battlefields of Ukraine, aiming to destabilize the entire world. But with allies like Poland by our side, we can stand firm. Today, Warsaw has shown it will not tolerate sabotage on its soil. Tomorrow, the world may unite to say “enough” to Russian aggression.