Sikorski warns of Russian espionage within the EU

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has issued a warning regarding Russian influence within the European Union, alleging that at least 40 percent of Russian diplomats operating in the EU are engaged in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status. Sikorski characterized these individuals as spies working toward the internal destabilization of the European security architecture.

In Poland, the government has responded to suspected Russian sabotage and arson by closing various Russian consulates. Sikorski noted that the country has exhausted many of its available diplomatic tools to counter these hybrid threats.

Simultaneously, EU foreign ministers have met in Ireland to discuss the implementation of a 22nd package of sanctions against Russia. This follows 21 previous rounds of sanctions aimed at responding to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and territorial occupation.