Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the devastating 2024 fire at Warsaw’s Marywilska shopping center was a deliberate act of arson orchestrated by Russian special services, marking a serious escalation in hybrid warfare tactics allegedly used by Moscow across Eastern Europe.
Poland Accuses Russia of Orchestrating Major Arson Attack in Warsaw
Tusk: Russian Agents Behind 2024 Fire
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared Sunday that the massive fire which destroyed the Marywilska shopping center in Warsaw in May 2024 was a planned act of arson carried out by individuals acting on behalf of Russia’s special services. Tusk affirmed that several perpetrators have already been detained and that others are currently being sought.
Hybrid Warfare Tactics Intensify in Eastern Europe
Espionage and Arson as Russian Tools
Tusk’s statement aligns with broader concerns across Eastern Europe over Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy, which includes espionage, cyberattacks, and arson. These actions are believed to be aimed at destabilizing EU nations. Arson is increasingly being cited as a tactic employed to provoke fear and disrupt economic and civil infrastructure.
Links to Lithuanian Investigations
Regional Evidence Supports Polish Claims
In March, Tusk referred to Lithuanian investigative findings which indicated that Ukrainian citizens, allegedly working for Russia, were responsible for both a fire at an IKEA in Vilnius and the Marywilska fire in Warsaw. These findings reinforced Polish suspicions and have been used to support a coordinated regional security response. Polish prosecutors had previously attributed the act to a Belarusian refugee, but Tusk’s latest statement overrules that earlier claim.
Political Messaging: “We Will Get You All!”
Tusk Sends Strong Signal to Russia
In a strongly worded statement, Tusk promised that all individuals involved would be brought to justice. His message emphasized Poland’s resolve in holding Russia accountable, not only for the arson but for a broader pattern of covert aggression. The statement is one of the most explicit accusations of state-sponsored sabotage from a current EU leader.
Casualties and Damage
No Injuries Reported, But Symbolic Impact Significant
While no injuries were reported during the fire, the destruction of Warsaw’s largest shopping center was a symbolic blow to national security and public confidence. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger internal security measures and cross-border intelligence sharing within the EU.
Wider Geopolitical Context
Tensions with Russia Persist Under Trump Presidency
This revelation comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia. President Donald Trump has recently increased diplomatic pressure on Moscow while also pursuing a 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine. The Polish government’s accusations may further strain already tense U.S.-Russia-EU dynamics.
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