Kathrine Frich
Relations between Moscow and Warsaw have been sliding steadily.
Allegations of Russian drones straying into Polish airspace and a recent claim from Warsaw that a Russian strike hit a cargo train near its border have further strained the atmosphere.
Both governments have traded warnings as the war in Ukraine grinds on, leaving diplomatic contacts under heightened scrutiny.
Now another incident has been added into the already strained relationship.
Rising hostility
According to reporting by Gazeta Wyborcza, Polish Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski was confronted on 16 November while visiting the city for events tied to Poland’s Independence Day.
He had travelled to meet members of the local Polish community and attend a church service.
Around midday, the newspaper said, a group described as pro-Kremlin “activists” surrounded the envoy as he approached the church.
The crowd carried posters denouncing both Poland and Ukraine, reflecting anger over Warsaw’s continued support for Kyiv.
Representatives of Poland’s Foreign Ministry told the outlet that the group quickly escalated its behaviour, first shouting insults and then attempting to lunge at the ambassador.
Brief confrontation
“At first, it was verbal insults, but then there was a clear attempt to use physical force. At that moment, the ambassador’s security intervened,” ministry officials were quoted as saying by Gazeta Wyborcza.
The security detail moved the diplomat away from the crowd, preventing more serious harm. Krajewski did not sustain major injuries, and the incident ended within minutes.
The confrontation nevertheless adds to a string of diplomatic frictions between the two countries, as Warsaw warns of heightened risks along NATO’s eastern frontier.
Russian authorities have not publicly commented on the ambassador’s treatment.
For now, Warsaw has not announced retaliatory steps, but the Foreign Ministry said it is monitoring the situation closely.
Further diplomatic communication is expected in the coming days.
Sources: LA.lv, Gazeta Wyborcza
