Russia to Close Polish Consulate in St. Petersburg on January 10; Expels Diplomats Amid Espionage Row

Dec 5, 2024, 03:12 PM

On December 5, Russia announced the closure of Poland's Consulate General in St. Petersburg in response to Poland's decision to shut down the Russian consulate in Poznan. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Polish consulate would cease operations starting January 10, 2025. The closure is linked to espionage accusations. Additionally, Russia declared three diplomats from the Polish consulate in St. Petersburg as personae non gratae, requiring them to leave the country. This move escalates the diplomatic tensions between the two countries. In retaliation, Poland's Foreign Minister Sikorski threatened to close all remaining Russian consular offices in Poland if "sabotage and terrorist acts continue."