During a news conference in Warsaw, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk made startling allegations against Russia, claiming that the country was planning acts of sabotage worldwide, including 'acts of air terror' against airlines. Tusk's statements were made in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy.
Tusk did not provide specific details but confirmed the validity of fears that Russia was plotting acts of air terror not only against Poland but also against airlines globally. The Kremlin has previously denied Western accusations of sponsoring sabotage and attacks in Europe.
Western security officials suspect Russian intelligence involvement in a plot to place incendiary devices in packages on cargo planes bound for North America. Incidents in Germany and England last year involving packages catching fire raised suspicions of Russian involvement.
Furthermore, Azerbaijan accused Russia of unintentionally shooting down an Azerbaijani airliner that crashed in Kazakhstan, resulting in the loss of 38 lives. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed regret over the incident, referring to it as a 'tragic incident' but did not admit Moscow's responsibility.
The Polish government, which is pro-European Union, believes that Russia is engaging in hybrid warfare against Poland and other Western nations in response to their support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia's full-scale invasion. Warsaw has accused Russia and Belarus of instigating a migration crisis on the EU's eastern border with Belarus to sow chaos and division within the EU.
Last year, Poland's foreign minister ordered the closure of one of three Russian consulates in the country in response to alleged acts of sabotage, including arson attacks believed to be sponsored by Moscow.
