Poland Arrests 18 in Alleged Assassination Plot Against Ukrainian President
WARSAW, Poland — Polish authorities have detained 18 individuals suspected of engaging in hostile activities or planning sabotage on behalf of Russia and Belarus. Among the alleged plans was an assassination attempt on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as stated by Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak on Monday. Ten of those arrested since December were allegedly involved in planning various forms of sabotage across Poland.
Polish, Belarusian, and Ukrainian nationals are among those arrested. The Internal Security Agency linked recent arson incidents to Russian-sponsored agents. In April, Polish prosecutors arrested a man accused of spying for Russia’s military intelligence, allegedly in connection with a plot to assassinate Zelensky.
Authorities believe the acts of sabotage were part of a broader strategy that included cyberattacks and pushing migrants from Belarus into Poland, threatening national security. Siemoniak affirmed that Russia-backed operatives posed a threat to the safety of Polish citizens.
Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the U.S. at a global peace summit on the war in Ukraine, to be held in Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 15. President Biden has opted to attend a campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles during the summit. Harris will be joined by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, underscoring U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and efforts to secure a lasting peace.