Warsaw, Poland — Polish authorities are accusing Russian intelligence of orchestrating a devastating fire that nearly obliterated the Marywilska shopping center in May 2024. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced via social media that there is strong evidence pointing to arson tied to Russian special services, asserting that “we know for certain” this act was not accidental.
Tusk mentioned that several individuals believed to be part of the operation are already in custody, while efforts continue to locate all suspected accomplices. The inquiry has revealed that the fire, which ravaged around 1,400 small businesses, was allegedly directed by a specific individual in Russia. This incident has disproportionately affected the Vietnamese community in Warsaw, many of whom operated businesses in the shopping center.
In a joint statement, Poland’s justice and interior ministers disclosed that the activities of those detained were orchestrated from abroad. The investigation extended beyond Poland, with officials confirming cooperation with Lithuania, where some of the alleged perpetrators conducted related acts of sabotage.
The Marywilska incident is part of a broader pattern of behavior attributed to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. According to Polish officials, Moscow is waging a “hybrid war,” utilizing anonymous and deniable methods to strike at critical infrastructure in neighboring countries. This type of warfare aims to inflict damage while avoiding the direct attribution that would constitute an official act of war.
NATO has echoed these concerns, declaring that Russia’s activities appear to serve as efforts to dissuade Western nations from supporting Ukraine. Moscow, however, has consistently rejected such claims, denying any involvement in sabotage operations throughout Europe.
The Marywilska shopping center, which opened in 2010, was a hub for various small vendors. Following the fire, many owners lost not only inventory but also crucial documents and cash kept there due to safety concerns at home. In response, the owners established a temporary shopping venue just three months after the blaze, allowing nearly 400 traders to resume business activities. Additionally, a new alternative shopping center, Modlinska 6D, opened in October 2024, providing a long-term solution for displaced vendors.
The investigation and subsequent accusations underscore the escalating tensions between Poland and Russia, with many viewing the recent fire as more than an isolated incident but rather a piece of a complicated geopolitical puzzle.