Post by : Badri Ariffin

Warsaw: In a major crackdown on sabotage, a Polish court has sentenced three Ukrainians for their roles in a series of fires that hit Poland and the Baltic region between 2023 and 2024. Authorities say the incidents are part of a broader wave of coordinated attacks, allegedly linked to Russian efforts to destabilize countries supporting Ukraine.

Investigators revealed that the accused were part of an organized network operating across Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, and Russia, targeting commercial properties and critical infrastructure. Among the incidents, a fire nearly destroyed a Warsaw shopping centre in May 2024, while three days earlier, an IKEA store in Vilnius was set ablaze, causing significant damage.

The court handed Pavlo T. a prison sentence of 5 years and 6 months, Serhii R. received 2 years and 6 months, and Vladyslav Y. was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months. Prosecutors said the three acted in coordination with other identified individuals, whose cases are still under investigation.

Polish officials have described the attacks as part of a “hybrid war” strategy, combining arson and other disruptive tactics. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has publicly pointed to foreign intelligence involvement, highlighting the risks posed to nations supporting Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.

The verdict can still be appealed, and authorities continue to investigate the broader network behind the fires, aiming to prevent future sabotage and maintain security in the region.