Nine people "linked" to Russian security services detained in Poland

Polish authorities have detained nine people allegedly linked to Russian security services on suspicion of preparing acts of sabotage.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in an interview with the private TV company TVN24 that nine people suspected of preparing and carrying out acts of sabotage in the country had been detained. In a statement, Tusk emphasized that the detainees were acting on behalf of Russian security services.

"We have detained and indicted nine persons who were directly involved in acts of sabotage committed in Poland on behalf of the Russian secret services," Tusk said. He specified that the detainees include citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and Poland, adding that some of them may have been recruited from criminal circles.

According to the Prime Minister, the detainees are suspected of beatings, arson and attempted arson. Tusk cited the attempted arson of a paint factory in Wroclaw in western Poland and an Ikea center in Lithuania as examples of sabotage.

Tusk noted that the activities of Russian intelligence services are not limited to the territory of Poland, but also affect Lithuania, Latvia and possibly Sweden. An international investigation is underway to identify and stop further attempts at destabilization.