In a stunning development, Polish prosecutors announced on Thursday that they have arrested a Polish man, identified only as Pawel K., on suspicion of being prepared to spy for Russia’s military intelligence. The alleged plot involved a plan to assassinate Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to a statement released by the office of Poland’s National Prosecutor, Pawel K. was accused of being ready to provide Russian agents with sensitive security information about the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, located in south-eastern Poland near the Ukrainian border. This airport has been a crucial gateway for international military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and has also served as a transit point for leaders and politicians traveling to and from the war-torn country. Notably, the airport is currently under the control of U.S. troops.
The man was seeking contact with Russians directly involved in the war in Ukraine and was expected to pass on detailed information about the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport in south-eastern Poland, near the border with Ukraine, which is the gateway for international military and humanitarian supplies for Ukraine.
He was expected to pass on detailed information about the airport’s security measures and operations. If found guilty of these charges, Pawel K. could face a prison sentence of up to eight years, according to a statement by the prosecution.
The arrest was made possible through close collaboration between Polish prosecutors and Ukrainian security services, who provided vital intelligence and evidence. The prosecutors emphasized that the case is still developing and under active investigation.
This incident is not the first of its kind in Poland since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Several individuals, including a dual Russian-Spanish citizen, have been arrested on allegations of spying for Russia.
As a member of the European Union, Poland has been a steadfast ally to its neighbor Ukraine and has consistently supported President Zelenskyy in his efforts to defend against Russia’s aggression, which has now persisted for over two years. This latest arrest underscores the ongoing challenges and threats faced by Ukraine and its allies in the face of Russia’s relentless campaign.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.