The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced the detention of two individuals in the Kaliningrad region who are suspected of collaborating with the Polish security services. According to the FSB, those detained were gathering information on military installations and Russian military personnel. In Poland, these reports were dismissed as provocation and disinformation, with attention drawn to the fact that the Russian security service made the allegations public on 11 November — Poland’s Independence Day.
- The FSB has announced the arrest of two suspected agents of the Polish secret services in Kaliningrad.
- Those detained are accused of gathering information about Russian military installations.
- A further seven Polish citizens have been banned from entering Russia.
- Warsaw described the FSB’s statement as a provocation and disinformation on Poland’s Independence Day.
Russia has claimed to have uncovered a Polish intelligence network
According to the FSB, in Kaliningrad Oblast They claim to have uncovered a network of agents linked to the Military Intelligence Service and the Internal Security Agency of Poland.
The Russian security service claims that those detained were gathering and passing on information about the personnel and military facilities of the Russian Ministry of Defence. Furthermore, they are suspected of gathering information on the socio-economic situation, migration and social policy in the region.
Criminal proceedings have been brought against two individuals under the section of the law relating to espionage. Following a ruling by a Russian court, they have been remanded in custody.
The FSB has also issued warnings to seven Polish citizens and three Russians over alleged contacts with Polish intelligence services. The Polish citizens have been banned from entering Russia.
The Russian side has not disclosed the names of those detained or the evidence of their involvement in intelligence activities.
Poland has described the FSB’s statements as a media provocation
Spokesperson for the Minister-Coordinator of the Polish Security Services Jacek Dobrzyński stated that he would not comment on material disseminated by Russian intelligence agencies. He emphasised that the timing of such allegations – specifically on 11 November, when Poland celebrates Independence Day – raises particular suspicions. Dobrzyński described the report as yet another provocation and an act of disinformation.
Spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maciej Wewur He also urged caution regarding information from the FSB. He stated that the Polish side is verifying the reports of the detentions. According to him, if Russia has indeed detained Polish citizens, it is obliged to officially inform Warsaw of this in accordance with bilateral agreements.
Kaliningrad remains a sensitive region between Russia and NATO
The Kaliningrad Oblast is a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea coast, bordering Poland and Lithuania. The region is of significant military importance to Moscow due to the presence of units of the Baltic Fleet and other Russian military formations.
Against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Russia and NATO, Kaliningrad has repeatedly been the subject of disputes concerning security, intelligence activities and military presence.
As of 11 November, there has been no independent confirmation of the FSB’s allegations of espionage. The Polish authorities are continuing to investigate the information regarding those detained.
