Russia’s Foreign Ministry has announced the closure of Poland’s consulate in Irkutsk, a tit-for-tat measure responding to Warsaw’s recent decision to shut down one of Russia’s consulates. This leaves both nations with only one diplomatic mission each in their respective capitals.
Poland’s move last week to close the Russian consulate in Gdansk followed accusations that Russian security services orchestrated two sabotage attacks on Poland’s rail network. Moscow vehemently denied these allegations and vowed retaliation. You can read more about Poland’s decision here: The Moscow Times.
The Russian Foreign Ministry formally notified Poland’s ambassador, Krzysztof Krajewski, of the forced closure, calling Poland’s earlier decision “blatantly hostile and unjustified.” The Irkutsk consulate is set to close on December 30. Details of the Russian statement can be found here: mid.ru.
Poland’s consulate in Irkutsk was unique, being the only EU country to maintain a diplomatic presence there. Historically, it served to assist descendants of Poles deported to Siberia during the Soviet era.
This isn’t the first time diplomatic missions have been shuttered between the two countries. Warsaw previously closed Russian consulates in Poznan and Krakow, while Moscow had responded by closing Polish missions in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. This latest action escalates the diplomatic tensions.