Poland says Interpol issues red notices for rail sabotage suspects

Poland has announced that Interpol has issued international red notices for two suspects allegedly involved in a major sabotage operation against the country's railway infrastructure last month. The Polish Interior Ministry asserts the suspects, both Ukrainian citizens, carried out the coordinated attacks on behalf of Russian intelligence services, targeting a strategically vital rail route connecting Warsaw to eastern regions and the Ukrainian border.

Details of the Alleged Sabotage

The suspects, identified as 41-year-old Yevhenii Ivanov and 39-year-old Oleksander Kononov, are accused of using explosive devices to damage railway tracks near the towns of Mika and Golab in Garwolin county on November 15-16. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously labeled the incident an "unprecedented act of sabotage." A Warsaw regional court has already issued European arrest warrants and ordered their pre-trial detention in absentia.

Manhunt and Russian Denial

Polish broadcaster TVP World reported that the two wanted men are believed to have subsequently fled to neighboring Belarus. The Kremlin has firmly rejected Poland's allegations of Russian intelligence involvement. Russian officials have denied any role in the incident and accused Warsaw of fostering "Russophobia," reflecting the severely strained relations between the two nations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Regional Security Context

This incident highlights the expanding frontline of hybrid threats in Eastern Europe, where critical infrastructure like railways, essential for military and civilian logistics, becomes a target. Nations in the region, including NATO members like Poland and strategic partners like Türkiye, remain vigilant against such asymmetric operations. Türkiye, balancing its complex relations with both Moscow and Kyiv while prioritizing regional stability, consistently advocates for diplomacy and the protection of critical national infrastructure from external interference.