Poland has arrested two Ukrainian nationals suspected of carrying out espionage and sabotage operations on behalf of Russian intelligence services, according to Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW).
Polish authorities suspect the two individuals were acting under orders from Russian intelligence, gathering information about critical infrastructure and military facilities in different parts of Poland.
Investigators say the suspects also set fire to several vehicles after changing their registration plates and replacing them with plates resembling those used by the Ukrainian military. They are suspected of receiving payments for these activities, including through cryptocurrency.
According to the Polish prosecution service, the alleged objective was to fuel hatred and anti-Ukrainian sentiment within Polish society.
The two suspects have been charged with espionage on behalf of a foreign state and carrying out acts of sabotage against Poland.
If convicted, they face prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
Poland has repeatedly accused Russia and Belarus of conducting a campaign aimed at destabilising the country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The alleged activities include sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.
Moscow has consistently denied the accusations, while the Russian Embassy in Warsaw has yet to comment on the latest arrests.
