Polish authorities have arrested eight individuals across the country on suspicion of espionage and sabotage, amid growing concerns about Russian hybrid warfare targeting nations supporting Ukraine.

In a brief statement on social media, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the case is ongoing, emphasizing that “further operational activities are ongoing,” without providing additional details.

Espionage and Sabotage Allegations

According to Tomasz Siemoniak, coordinator of Poland’s special services, the detainees are suspected of:

• Conducting reconnaissance of military facilities and critical infrastructure.
• Preparing resources for sabotage operations.
• Directly executing attacks aimed at destabilising European nations.

The Polish National Prosecutor’s Office revealed that the suspects had planned to send packages containing explosives, intended to intimidate the population and destabilize countries within the European Union supporting Ukraine.

International Connections

Among the eight arrested, three Ukrainian nationals were reportedly involved in creating a network to transport explosives across Poland and Romania into Ukraine. A 21-year-old Ukrainian was detained near Warsaw, while two accomplices were apprehended in Bucharest, Romania, by the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI).

Romanian authorities confirmed that the suspects acted under the direct coordination of Russian secret services. The DIICOT anti-organized crime unit reported that the individuals left explosive-laden packages at an international delivery company, potentially targeting civilian and military sites.

Poland’s Ongoing Hybrid Warfare Concerns

Polish officials have repeatedly highlighted the country’s exposure to espionage and sabotage operations as part of Russia’s broader hybrid war strategy to destabilize nations supporting Ukraine. Over the past three years, Poland has detained 55 people for suspected sabotage and espionage, all charged under Article 130 of the penal code, which pertains to such acts.

European Context: Rising Russian Threats

Several European countries have accused Moscow of orchestrating sabotage, espionage, and drone incursions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

• In May 2024, Polish authorities arrested three men linked to an arson attack.
• In September 2024, Lithuanian prosecutors dismantled a network planning arson and explosive attacks across EU states.
• Latvia’s security service detained a man for passing military intelligence to Russia, while UK police arrested three individuals suspected of Russian sabotage operations.

The Kremlin denies these accusations, labeling them as “Russophobia,” despite mounting evidence across multiple European nations.

Drone Threats Escalate European Security Concerns

This autumn, drone incursions have intensified fears, with sightings reported in Belgium, Denmark, and Germany, prompting temporary airport closures in some countries. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned:

“We are at the beginning of a hybrid war against Europe … We see the pattern, and it does not look good.”

In response, Poland has pledged to upgrade its air defenses, particularly after NATO forces shot down several drones last month. Meanwhile, the European Union is exploring the creation of a “drone wall” along eastern borders, aimed at defending against inexpensive but disruptive unmanned aerial threats.

Implications for EU Security

The latest arrests underscore the persistent threat posed by hybrid warfare, blending espionage, sabotage, and unmanned aerial attacks. Poland’s proactive detentions highlight a broader European effort to counter Russian covert operations, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard civilians amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.