Russia has ordered the closure of Poland’s consulate in Kaliningrad, escalating a diplomatic standoff between the two countries. The move comes in retaliation for Poland’s earlier decision to shut down the Russian consulate in Krakow, which ceased operations on June 30.
According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, the Polish charge d’affaires was summoned and informed that Moscow is revoking its consent for the consulate in Kaliningrad to operate, effective August 29. The ministry described Poland’s actions as “unjustified and hostile,” citing the principle that no unfriendly act against Russia would go unanswered.
Poland had announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow following an investigation that suggested Russian intelligence services might have been linked to a major fire at a shopping mall in May 2024. While Polish authorities defended the decision on national security grounds, Russia viewed it as a provocation.
Poland’s Foreign Ministry responded by saying that Moscow’s decision would primarily inconvenience Russian citizens, particularly those seeking visas. “If this decision affects anyone, it will mostly be Russians who were hoping to apply for Polish visas somewhere closer,” said a ministry spokesperson.
The diplomatic rift reflects a broader deterioration in relations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both nations have expelled multiple diplomats and shut down consular operations in a series of tit-for-tat moves. Poland remains a key logistical hub for Western support to Ukraine and has imposed various diplomatic restrictions on Russian officials amid allegations of hybrid warfare.
