Key points: Two Ukrainian nationals suspected of working with Russian intelligence are accused of sabotaging a rail line used to send aid to Ukraine; both have left Poland. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the blast "unprecedented," while Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski labeled it an "act of state terror" and moved to close Russia's consulate in Gdańsk. Prosecutors opened a terrorism-related investigation, army patrols were deployed to protect infrastructure, and no casualties were reported.
Poland Calls Rail Blast 'State Terror' as Two Suspected Russia-Linked Agents Flee
Key points: Two Ukrainian nationals suspected of working with Russian intelligence are accused of sabotaging a rail line used to send aid to Ukraine; both have left Poland. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the blast "unprecedented," while Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski labeled it an "act of state terror" and moved to close Russia's consulate in Gdańsk. Prosecutors opened a terrorism-related investigation, army patrols were deployed to protect infrastructure, and no casualties were reported.
09:20 PM, 11/19/2025Conflict
Polish authorities say two Ukrainian nationals who allegedly worked with Russian intelligence are suspected of detonating a section of railway used to transport aid to Ukraine. Both suspects have left Poland, and officials are treating the incident as a deliberate act of sabotage with potentially lethal intent.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the explosion as an "unprecedented act of sabotage." Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski called the attack "an act of state terror" and announced he would revoke the operating consent for Russia's last consulate in Gdańsk as part of Poland's response.
What happened
An explosion damaged tracks near the village of Mika, about 60 miles (≈100 km) southeast of Warsaw, forcing trains to stop. A separate act of sabotage — destruction of power lines — was reported further south near Puławy, roughly 30 miles (≈50 km) from Lublin. Authorities say no casualties were reported and that repairs have been completed at both sites.
Security and investigations
Polish prosecutors have opened an inquiry into "acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature" carried out for the benefit of foreign intelligence, saying the actions created an immediate risk of a major rail accident. A meeting of the National Security Committee convened with military commanders, intelligence heads and a presidential representative. The defense minister said army patrols were deployed to inspect railways and other critical infrastructure in the east.
"These actions brought about an immediate danger of a land traffic disaster, threatening the lives and health of many people," prosecutors said.
Diplomatic fallout
Sikorski announced the planned closure of the Russian consulate in Gdańsk, leaving Russia with only its embassy in Warsaw. Moscow has said it will reciprocally reduce Poland's diplomatic and consular presence in Russia.
Broader context
The incidents come amid heightened concern across Europe about unexplained drone sightings near airports and military bases and a broader pattern NATO allies describe as intensified "hybrid warfare." Polish officials point to previous hostile incursions, including an episode in September when warplanes were scrambled over suspected drone incursions.
Polish leaders say the suspects' identities are known to investigators but cannot yet be made public because the probe is ongoing. Authorities continue to treat the case as a serious security breach with significant diplomatic and operational consequences.