Russia is considering closing the Polish Consulate General offices in Kaliningrad and Irkutsk as a reciprocal measure in response to Poland’s recent decision to shut down the Russian Consulate General in Krakow. This was confirmed on Monday by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, who, in an interview with TASS, stated: “Maybe. (Moscow) will answer, of course.”
Poland’s decision follows a major fire incident at a shopping mall on Marywilska Street in Warsaw on May 12, 2024. Polish authorities have linked the fire, which destroyed the entire building, to alleged sabotage by Russian agents.
Reacting to the consulate closure, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Poland’s actions, stating that Warsaw is intentionally damaging bilateral relations and acting contrary to the interests of its own citizens. She assured that Russia will issue a proportional response soon.
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