
Russia Orders Closure of Polish Consulate in Kaliningrad
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Russia Orders Closure of Polish Consulate in Kaliningrad
Russia has ordered the closure of its consulate in Poland. The move is in response to Poland’s decision to close its own consulate in Moscow. The two countries have been at odds since Russia invaded Ukraine in March 2014. The Russian government says the move is necessary to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Foreign Ministry said Friday it had summoned Poland’s charge d’affaires to notify him that Moscow will revoke its consent for the Polish Consulate General in Kaliningrad to operate, effective Aug. 29.
Russia’s consulate in Krakow ceased operations on June 30, according to the ministry.
Polish authorities announced in May that the decision to close the Russian consulate was made “in light of evidence” suggesting Russia’s security services may have been involved in a May 2024 shopping mall fire.
“Russian diplomacy consistently proceeds from the principle that no unfriendly act against our country will go unanswered or without consequences,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Tensions between Russia and Poland have worsened since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both countries have since expelled dozens of diplomats and shut down consulates, including those in Poznan and St. Petersburg, in tit-for-tat moves.
Poland has also been a key transit hub for Western military aid to Ukraine. In 2023, Warsaw imposed restrictions on Russian diplomats over accusations that Moscow is waging a “hybrid war” against the country.