Poland Charges Ukrainian Men with 'Terrorist Sabotage' in Rail Incidents, Blames Russia

Polish Prosecutors Draft Charges Against Suspects

Polish prosecutors have prepared formal charges against two Ukrainian men, identified as Oleksandr K. and Yevhenii I., in connection with recent acts of rail sabotage. The men are suspected of committing 'sabotage of a terrorist nature' on behalf of Russian intelligence services. The proposed charges include espionage, causing a potential catastrophe, and the use of explosives, offenses that could lead to a life sentence if formally filed.

While a decision to charge them has been issued, the suspects have not been formally charged in person as they reportedly fled to Belarus shortly after the incidents. Polish authorities are now seeking a court order for their arrest, which would facilitate placing them on an international wanted list and requesting an Interpol Red Notice. Poland has formally requested the extradition of the two Ukrainian citizens from Belarus.

Details of the Sabotage Incidents

The charges stem from weekend incidents along a strategic rail line used for aid deliveries to Ukraine. One significant event involved an explosion that damaged infrastructure near the village of Mika, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Warsaw. The explosion, which occurred on a Saturday night, caused minor damage to a freight train's undercarriage and the tracks. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the explosion was 'most likely intended to blow up the train'.

In separate but related incidents, investigators discovered tampered tracks and broken overhead cables on other sections of the route. Near the Gołąb railway station in Lublin province, a train carrying 475 passengers was forced to make an emergency stop due to damaged power lines and a metal brace found on the tracks. Another incident involved power lines being destroyed in the area of Puławy, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Lublin. No injuries were reported in any of these incidents.

Official Reactions and Broader Context

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the events as an 'unprecedented act of sabotage' and emphasized that a 'critical line has been crossed'. He asserted that these acts are part of a wider pattern of 'acts of sabotage and actions of Russian services across the whole of Europe'. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski went further, labeling the incidents 'an act of state terror' with the 'clear intention to cause human casualties'.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed these sentiments, stating that Ukrainian officials also believe the sabotage has a 'Russian link' and that 'No one except for Russians is interested in this'. Following discussions between Tusk and Zelenskyy, both leaders agreed to establish a Polish-Ukrainian working group to counter Russian sabotage efforts.

In response to the incidents, Poland announced the closure of its last remaining Russian consulate in Gdańsk and initiated a new military operation, codenamed 'Horizon', deploying up to 10,000 troops to protect critical infrastructure. Investigators have gathered substantial evidence, including witness statements, telecoms data, video footage, and documents, pointing to a 'high probability' of the men's guilt. Several other individuals have been detained in connection with the case, though no further charges have been filed against them at this time.