Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said two Ukrainian nationals allegedly working for Russian intelligence are suspected of sabotaging a rail line used to carry aid to Ukraine; both suspects have left Poland. Explosions damaged tracks near Mika (about 60 miles southeast of Warsaw) and power lines were destroyed near Puławy, halting passenger trains but causing no injuries. Prosecutors opened a terrorism-style probe, the National Security Committee convened, and army patrols were deployed to secure eastern infrastructure. The incidents come amid rising concern about "hybrid" Russian activity, including increased drone sightings near European airports and bases.
Poland Says Russian-Linked Sabotage Targeted Aid Rail Line; Two Suspects, Said to Be Working for Russia, Have Left Country
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said two Ukrainian nationals allegedly working for Russian intelligence are suspected of sabotaging a rail line used to carry aid to Ukraine; both suspects have left Poland. Explosions damaged tracks near Mika (about 60 miles southeast of Warsaw) and power lines were destroyed near Puławy, halting passenger trains but causing no injuries. Prosecutors opened a terrorism-style probe, the National Security Committee convened, and army patrols were deployed to secure eastern infrastructure. The incidents come amid rising concern about "hybrid" Russian activity, including increased drone sightings near European airports and bases.
01:14 AM, 11/19/2025Security
Poland: suspected Russian-backed sabotage targets rail corridor carrying aid to Ukraine
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday that two Ukrainian nationals allegedly working for Russian intelligence are suspected of carrying out sabotage on a railway line in eastern Poland over the weekend. Addressing the Sejm, Tusk said authorities know the suspects' identities but cannot disclose them while investigations continue. Polish officials say both suspects have left the country.
The incidents occurred on a rail link used to transport aid from Warsaw toward the border with Ukraine. In the first case, an explosion damaged tracks near the village of Mika, about 60 miles southeast of Warsaw; in a separate incident power lines were destroyed near Puławy, roughly 30 miles from Lublin. Passenger services were halted at both locations but there were no injuries reported. Authorities have since repaired the damage.
The government’s National Security Committee convened with military commanders, intelligence chiefs and a presidential representative to review the situation. The defence minister said army patrols have been deployed to inspect railways and other critical infrastructure in the east of the country.
Prosecutors: investigators have opened an inquiry into "acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature" aimed at railway infrastructure and allegedly committed for the benefit of foreign intelligence services. "These actions brought about an immediate danger of a land traffic disaster, threatening the lives and health of many people and property on a large scale," prosecutors said.
Poland and other NATO allies have increasingly pointed to "hybrid" tactics in the conflict with Russia, including sabotage and unexplained drone activity. Officials across Europe have reported rising numbers of mysterious drone sightings near airports and military bases, and Poland said in September it scrambled warplanes to intercept Russian drones that entered its airspace.
No formal attribution beyond the suspects’ alleged ties to Russian intelligence has been publicly released. Investigations are ongoing, and Polish authorities continue to strengthen security measures along the eastern transport network.