Polish authorities have thwarted an alleged plot, backed by Russia, to assassinate a Ukrainian-American citizen in Warsaw, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He described the incident as unprecedented, marking it as the first known attempt involving a Russian-linked actor targeting a US citizen within another NATO member’s borders. The intended target, identified by Polish officials, is a US citizen of Ukrainian descent, perceived as a threat by the Russian government.
A suspect, allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence services, was apprehended in Poland on August 7 and is now in custody for a three-month period. The operation, as stated by Poland’s minister overseeing intelligence agencies, was carried out in collaboration with US intelligence services. This incident surfaces amid increasing concerns across Europe regarding Russia’s alleged operations against political adversaries, supporters of Ukraine, and other individuals deemed hostile to Moscow.
European authorities have previously managed to disrupt suspected plots linked to Russian intelligence networks, involving assassination attempts, sabotage, and arson. Prime Minister Tusk emphasized the potential for Russia to target inconvenient individuals in various countries, urging Poland and its allies to remain vigilant and prepared to counteract such operations.
While the Russian government has yet to respond to these allegations, the US State Department acknowledged awareness of the reports but did not provide additional information. This case is the latest in a series of incidents across Europe that Western officials have tied to alleged Russian intelligence activities since the onset of the war in Ukraine.