Poland Closes Russian Consulate After Warsaw Arson

Poland has closed Russia's consulate in Krakow after finding evidence that Russian security services organized an arson attack on the Marywilska shopping mall in Warsaw in May 2024. The fire, described by Polish leaders as sabotage, destroyed about 1,400 shops but caused no injuries. Authorities have detained some suspects linked to the attack and are searching for others, warning of further action if such incidents persist. The move escalates already tense relations between Poland and Russia, which have deteriorated further since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia has denied involvement and promised to retaliate against what it calls unfriendly actions by Poland. The closure is part of a broader pattern of diplomatic expulsions between the two countries.