Crystal Dike
Polish authorities have identified two Ukrainian citizens working for Russian intelligence as suspects in recent Polish rail sabotage incidents that disrupted the Warsaw-Lublin railway line. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the attacks as “an unprecedented act of sabotage” during a parliamentary address on Tuesday.
The first incident occurred on 15 November near the village of Mika, south-east of Warsaw, when a military-grade C4 explosive detonated as a freight train passed. The blast caused minor damage to a wagon floor, though the train driver remained unaware. An earlier attempt to derail a train using a steel clamp on the rails had failed.
The second act of sabotage took place on 17 November near Pulawy, forcing a train carrying 475 passengers to brake suddenly due to damaged overhead cables. No injuries were reported, but the attacks raised serious concerns over railway security.
Tusk revealed that one suspect had previously been convicted in absentia for sabotage in Ukraine, and both had crossed into Poland from Belarus during the autumn before returning there. Polish authorities said “everything points to them being Russian special services,” though Russia has not publicly commented.
In response, Tusk announced plans to raise alert levels on key railway lines. The Polish rail sabotage incidents highlight the strategic importance of Poland’s railway network, which remains vital for transporting aid and supplies into Ukraine amid the ongoing war.