WARSAW: Polish authorities have arrested a man suspected of involvement in an alleged plot by Russian intelligence services to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The arrest was confirmed by both Polish and Ukrainian prosecutors on Thursday, AFP reported.
The suspect, identified as Pawel K., a Polish national, is believed to have played a key role in aiding Russian military intelligence by supplying crucial information and facilitating the planning of a possible assassination attempt targeting Zelensky.
According to statements released by Polish prosecutors, Pawel K. expressed willingness to collaborate with Russian intelligence and established contact with persons directly engaged in the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian prosecutors played a crucial role in providing vital information to their Polish counterparts, enabling the gathering of essential evidence against the suspect. Andriy Kostin, Ukraine’s chief prosecutor, disclosed that Pawel K. had been tasked with gathering intelligence on security arrangements at the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport in southeastern Poland, a facility frequently utilized by Zelensky during his international travels and by foreign officials and aid convoys heading to Ukraine.
The arrest of the suspect underscores the persistent threat posed by Russia not only to Ukraine but to the broader international community, as emphasized by Kostin. He condemned the actions of the Kremlin’s regime, highlighting its propensity for planning sabotage operations on the territory of sovereign states.
Reacting to the operation, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski commended the efforts of Poland’s special services and prosecutors. He acknowledged the importance of cooperation with neighboring Ukraine in addressing shared security challenges.
Poland’s steadfast support for Ukraine has been evident since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022. However, recent tensions have emerged between the two countries, particularly regarding a dispute over agricultural imports.
