Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Poland Closes Russian Consulate Over Kremlin-Linked Shopping Mall Arson

Warsaw accuses Russian intelligence of orchestrating the 2024 Marywilska fire, detaining suspects and escalating diplomatic measures.

Image
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)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Poland has officially attributed the 2024 Marywilska 44 shopping centre fire to arson ordered by Russian intelligence services.
  • The fire destroyed 1,400 shops, many owned by members of Warsaw’s Vietnamese community, causing significant economic and social damage.
  • Several suspects have been detained, while others have been identified and are being pursued in connection with the attack.
  • Polish authorities are working with Lithuanian prosecutors, who linked Russia to a related 2024 arson attack in Vilnius.
  • In response, Poland has ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow, while Moscow denies the allegations and promises retaliation.