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Poland Closes Russian Consulate Over Evidence of Arson Sabotage

Poland attributes the 2024 Warsaw shopping center fire to Russian intelligence, detains suspects, and charges two Ukrainians for aiding the attack.

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WARSAW, MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP, POLAND - 2024/05/12: Black smoke seen in the sky above the burning Marywilska 44 shopping center in Warsaw. A massive fire broke out at the Marywilska 44 shopping center in Warsaw's Biaoleka district. According to the State Fire Service, there are 50 fire brigades on site, with a total of nearly 300 firefighters working there, including from the chemical unit. Water is drawn from a nearby canal to extinguish the fire. About 1400 shops are completely burnt down so far. Residents of Warsaw and the surrounding area received a government security center alert, urging them to stay at home and close their windows. (Photo by Attila Husejnow/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Poland has concluded a year-long investigation, confirming that Russian intelligence ordered the 2024 arson attack on Warsaw's Marywilska 44 shopping center.
  • The fire destroyed 1,400 shops, many operated by Warsaw's Vietnamese community, causing significant economic and social disruption.
  • Several suspects have been detained, while others, including two Ukrainians charged with assisting Russian handlers, remain at large.
  • Poland has closed the Russian consulate in Krakow and summoned the Russian ambassador, escalating diplomatic tensions with Moscow.
  • Russia denies the allegations and promises retaliatory measures, further straining relations between the two nations.