Overview
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the May 2024 fire at Warsaw's Marywilska 44 shopping center was deliberately set under orders from Russian intelligence.
- The fire destroyed approximately 1,400 shops but caused no injuries, with investigations revealing that it was ignited at multiple locations within the mall.
- Polish authorities have arrested several suspects, identified additional perpetrators, and continue to pursue those involved, citing evidence of coordinated planning and execution.
- Poland has closed the Russian consulate in Krakow, citing the sabotage as part of broader hybrid warfare tactics targeting nations supporting Ukraine.
- Russia denies the allegations and has criticized Poland's actions, warning of potential retaliatory measures.