Sikorski: Poland to limit movement of Russian diplomats

Relations between Poland and Russia have deteriorated sharply since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022.

Warsaw has also accused Moscow of spying activity and taking part in acts of sabotage on its territory.

"These are national decisions, but we have evidence that the Russian state is involved in authorizing sabotage in our country as well. We hope that the Russian Federation will treat this as a very serious warning," Radosław Sikorski told journalists in Brussels.

"I think this campaign is being waged across the whole European Union," the minister said, adding that Poland has arrested a man accused of planning a diversionary attack and is looking at more suspects.

"Other countries already have such regulations. We're hoping that more will follow in our footsteps."

The Russian embassy in Warsaw said it could not immediately comment as it had not received official information on the measures.

Sikorski added that the embassy would receive a note on the matter soon and that the restriction would apply to all embassy and consulates' personnel except for the ambassador.

They will be allowed to travel only within the province where they are assigned.

Russian state agencies quoted foreign ministry as saying that it would analyse Poland's restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats on its territory and take retaliatory measures. Russia will respond in such a way that "the Russophobic Polish top brass will be very sorry", TASS news agency quoted foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying.