An explosion on a key Polish railway line used to transport weapons to Ukraine has been declared an "unprecedented act of sabotage" by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The blast, which partially destroyed the line connecting Warsaw and Lublin, occurred near the village of Mika.
No injuries were reported, and Tusk stated that authorities are investigating and will apprehend those responsible, regardless of their backing. This incident is the latest in a series of sabotage and arson attacks targeting Poland and other European nations since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Poland has previously accused Russia of being behind such acts, viewing itself as a significant target due to its role as a hub for aid to Ukraine. The damaged railway line is crucial for delivering this aid, and the Polish army plans to inspect approximately 75 miles of the Warsaw-Lublin-Hrubieszów line.
A second train carrying 475 passengers on a different route was also affected when its overhead electrical cables were damaged, forcing it to stop. While the deputy interior minister urged against immediate conclusions about the perpetrators, he did not rule out Russian involvement, despite Russia's consistent denials of responsibility for sabotage.
The attack occurs amidst heightened alert across Europe due to a surge in sabotage events. Earlier, Poland and Romania detained individuals suspected of planning sabotage on behalf of Russia, and a London arson attack involving devices destined for Ukraine was attributed to Russian intelligence.
European capitals have also expressed alarm over damage to undersea cables, with accusations of a coordinated campaign of "grey zone" activity by Russia and its proxies.
