Ukrainian Citizens Detained Over Alleged Russian Sabotage Plot
A Ukrainian citizen allegedly working for Russian intelligence services as part of a sabotage campaign was detained in Poland, while two others were arrested in Romania, prosecutors said Tuesday. The detention marks the latest development in a growing list of alleged espionage and sabotage cases linked to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Polish Authorities Detain Ukrainian Citizen Over Alleged Sabotage
Polish prosecutors said that the individual acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services was allegedly preparing acts of sabotage involving the sending of shipments containing explosives and incendiary materials to Ukraine, which were intended to spontaneously combust or explode during transport. The goal was to intimidate populations and destabilize EU countries supporting Ukraine.
According to Polish authorities, the Ukrainian in Poland was one of eight individuals detained by authorities in recent days on suspicion of preparing acts of sabotage across the country. A spokesperson for the National Prosecutor's Office said that the actions involved "conducting reconnaissance of military facilities and critical infrastructure, preparing resources for sabotage, and directly carrying out attacks."
Romanian Authorities Detain Two Ukrainian Citizens Over Alleged Sabotage
Romanian authorities said Tuesday that two Ukrainians, aged 21 and 24, acting on behalf of Russian intelligence, deposited two parcels containing improvised explosive devices at an international courier company in Bucharest. Specialists from Romanian intelligence defused the devices, and the pair were placed under preventative arrest for 30 days.
Western Officials Warn of Russia's Sabotage Activities
Western officials have accused Russia and its proxies of staging dozens of attacks and other incidents across Europe since the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. According to data collected by The Associated Press, these incidents range from stuffing car tailpipes with expanding foam in Germany to a plot to plant explosives on cargo planes.
The list also includes setting fire to stores and a museum, hacking that targeted politicians and critical infrastructure, and spying by a ring convicted in the U.K. These activities are part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression aimed at destabilizing Europe's relations with Ukraine.
Recent Developments in the Sabotage Plot
Last month, prosecutors in Poland's Baltic neighbor, Lithuania, said that they uncovered and detained a Russia-linked network of suspects who are alleged to have planned and organized arson attacks in various European countries. The detention marks another significant development in the ongoing efforts by Western authorities to counter Russian sabotage activities.
Poland's Response to Sabotage
Poland has detained dozens of people over suspected sabotage and espionage since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted about the detention of the eight people on X, emphasizing the need for vigilance against Russian aggression.
Conclusion
The detention of Ukrainian citizens allegedly working for Russian intelligence services highlights the ongoing threat of sabotage and espionage from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As Western officials continue to uncover evidence of Russian activities aimed at destabilizing Europe, it remains crucial that countries remain vigilant in their efforts to counter these threats.