Poland will restrict the movement of Russian diplomats on its territory in response to the “hybrid war against the EU” waged by Russia. This was stated by the head of the Polish Foreign Ministry Radoslaw Sikorski.
“I have just announced Poland's decision in connection with Russia's participation in the hybrid war against the European Union, including Poland, to limit the movement of Russian diplomats in our country. [...] Such decisions are made by national governments, but we have evidence that the Russian state is involved in authorizing sabotage in our country as well. We hope that the Russian Federation will take this as a very serious warning,” Radoslaw Sikorski said, speaking to reporters in Brussels.
Now, employees of the Russian embassy will be allowed to travel only within the Mazowieckie Voivodeship (the region with the capital in Warsaw) in the east of the country, while employees of consular offices - only in the regions where they work.
The head of the Polish Foreign Ministry emphasized that the restrictions would not affect the Russian ambassador to Poland, Sergei Andreyev.
Sikorski expressed hope that other countries would follow Poland's example.
“Other countries already have such rules, and we hope that others will follow our example,” Sikorski was quoted as saying by Opet wiadomoci.
A letter to this effect has already been sent to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Speaking about the reasons, Sikorski recalled that Poland has evidence of Moscow's involvement in the organization of sabotage on the territory of the republic. Recently, nine people were detained on suspicion of committing crimes related to attacks and arson. This was told by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova said that Russia will study the note from Poland upon receiving it and take retaliatory measures.
“Russia will respond [...] in such a way that the Polish top brass, which is choking in Russophobia, will regret it greatly,” Zakharova was quoted as saying by Kremlin media.
