Poland charges Ukrainian man with espionage for Russia

In March 2025, Polish authorities arrested a 47-year-old Ukrainian citizen in the Mazovian province near Warsaw for allegedly engaging in espionage on behalf of Russian intelligence. The National Prosecutor's Office reported that the suspect was conducting reconnaissance on military facilities in Poland, and he is facing charges punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 30 years. The suspect, originally from Russia, claimed to have acted out of ideological motives linked to his ties with Russia. This arrest comes amidst rising concerns over espionage activities directed against Poland since the escalation of the war in Ukraine. In recent times, Polish officials have indicated that their country has become a target of various hybrid warfare tactics and espionage operations orchestrated by Moscow, worsening since Russia's invasion. According to Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesman for Poland's Interior Ministry, security agencies have detained a total of 44 individuals suspected of espionage or sabotage tied to Russia or Belarus, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by Poland during this ongoing conflict.