Polish authorities have apprehended and charged a man, identified as Pawel K, for purportedly conspiring with Russian intelligence services in a suspected plot to facilitate the assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to Polish prosecutors, Pawel K stands accused of gathering intelligence regarding an airport in Poland frequently utilized by President Zelensky. The arrest was conducted based on information provided by Ukrainian intelligence agencies, although the extent of information passed on by Pawel K remains undisclosed.
If found guilty, Pawel K could potentially face a prison sentence of up to eight years. Currently in custody, he awaits further investigation into the matter.
In an official statement, Polish prosecutors asserted that Pawel K had offered his services to Russian military intelligence, establishing direct contact with individuals actively engaged in the conflict in Ukraine. His alleged mission was to gather data concerning security measures at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland.
Formerly a modest regional airport, Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport has assumed significant importance in recent times due to its pivotal role in facilitating the transportation of Western military assistance to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. It serves as a vital hub for the delivery of supplies via military and cargo aircraft from various countries, including the US and across Europe.
Given the closure of Ukrainian airspace to most flights, leaders frequently opt to travel to neighboring countries such as Poland before proceeding to Ukraine. President Zelensky himself has utilized Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport for foreign visits, including his return from Washington in December 2022.
This arrest comes in the wake of previous incidents involving suspected espionage activities linked to Russia. In a separate development, Germany recently apprehended two individuals believed to be Russian operatives, accused of planning to sabotage German military aid intended for Ukraine.
