Key points: Poland says an explosive device damaged a rail line between Warsaw and Lublin used to deliver aid to Ukraine; two suspects — reported as Ukrainian nationals allegedly collaborating with Russian services — are said to have fled to Belarus. The Kremlin rejected the accusation as "Russophobia," while EU officials urged stronger protection for critical infrastructure. Polish security services are investigating and the National Security Committee has been convened; no injuries or arrests have been reported.
Poland Says Rail Line Used for Ukraine Aid Was Blown Up in Suspected Russia-Linked Sabotage
Key points: Poland says an explosive device damaged a rail line between Warsaw and Lublin used to deliver aid to Ukraine; two suspects — reported as Ukrainian nationals allegedly collaborating with Russian services — are said to have fled to Belarus. The Kremlin rejected the accusation as "Russophobia," while EU officials urged stronger protection for critical infrastructure. Polish security services are investigating and the National Security Committee has been convened; no injuries or arrests have been reported.
12:14 AM, 11/19/2025Security
Poland accuses Russia-linked sabotage after explosive damages key rail link to Ukraine
Polish officials say an explosive device destroyed a railway track on the line between Warsaw and Lublin — a route described as crucial for delivering aid to Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament that security services identified two suspects, both Ukrainian nationals who allegedly had collaborated with Russian services and reportedly fled to Belarus.
"We are certain that the attempt to blow up the tracks and the violation of railway infrastructure were intentional and aimed at causing a catastrophe in rail traffic,"Tusk said in the Sejm, adding that investigators also found damage further down the same route.
No injuries were reported, and Polish authorities said the Internal Security Agency, police, the prosecutor's office and railway services are jointly investigating. Two incidents over the weekend were described by Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński as one confirmed act of sabotage and one highly probable act of sabotage; no arrests have been announced.
The suspects are reported to have crossed into Belarus. Poland has convened its National Security Committee and is coordinating with EU and NATO partners as the probe continues.
The Kremlin rejected the allegation on Tuesday, accusing Warsaw of "Russophobia." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia should not be blamed automatically and highlighted the significance of reports that Ukrainian nationals were involved.
European leaders voiced concern. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that threats to Europe's security are "real and growing" and urged stronger protection of airspace and critical infrastructure. Estonia's prime minister and Ukraine's foreign minister expressed solidarity with Poland; Kyiv said it stands ready to assist if asked.
An International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) report cited by officials says Russia has conducted a campaign of sabotage, espionage and covert action across Europe, listing incidents such as damage to undersea cables and attacks on telecommunications infrastructure. Polish officials have previously blamed Russia for other suspected sabotage, which Moscow denies.
Investigations are ongoing. Polish authorities say they will pursue the perpetrators regardless of who ordered the attack. The government has not publicly released the suspects' identities or detailed evidence tying the alleged perpetrators to Russian services.
This article will be updated as authorities release more information.