Russia Shuts Down Polish Consulate in Smolensk Amid Rising Tensions: Diplomatic Warfare Escalates
Russia closes Poland's diplomatic mission in Smolensk, home to Polish memorial sites. Poland seized a building used by the Russian embassy, leading to the consulate shutdown. Tensions continue between Warsaw and Moscow.
Russia has announced the closure of Poland's diplomatic mission in the city of Smolensk, which is home to significant Polish memorial sites.
The Polish consulate in Smolensk was responsible for overseeing the Smolensk crash site and the Polish war cemetery in Katyn, both of which have been sources of tension between Warsaw and Moscow.
The decision to shut down the consulate came after Poland seized a building used by the Russian embassy as a school for the children of diplomats. Russia cited "unfriendly, anti-Russian actions" by Poland as the reason for the closure.
Poland has condemned the decision as unfriendly and incomprehensible, and stated that it reserves the right to take appropriate action in response.
Relations between Russia and Western countries have been strained since the military operation in Ukraine began in 2022, with ongoing expulsions of diplomats and the closure of representative offices.