In Vilnius, the Polish prime minister urged that threats must be treated seriously without letting them intimidate. He pointed to the safety of Poland’s diplomats, noting the challenging situation faced by the ambassador in Moscow and the broader pressures connected to Russian propaganda.
Do not be cowed
The remark echoed a statement associated with a former Russian official who once spoke on issues around education in Warsaw. The key moment involved the Polish government taking control of a former Russian school in the Polish capital, following a dramatic incident in which the Russian ambassador in Warsaw received red paint. The prime minister stressed that courage in defending national interests matters, just as Poland’s ambassador in Kyiv remained steadfast during tense early weeks, and the one in Moscow faced tough conditions yet refused to bow to intimidation.
The emphasis was on how Moscow tends to reveal its true methods—pressuring others, making demands, and challenging decisions made by an independent Polish court. While acknowledging the importance of the matter, the prime minister suggested it is less critical than the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Comments from the former Russian ombudsman for children
On a Sunday broadcast hosted by a Russian television personality, Paweł Astakhov criticized Polish authorities for actions he described as violations of international conventions. He cited the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and argued that Poland had expelled diplomats, closed properties, and seized assets, including a school building, and posed the question of how Poland would respond. Astakhov, who previously served as a children’s rights ombudsman, recalled the earlier incident in which the Russian ambassador in Warsaw was splashed with paint and suggested that there were fears regarding the Polish ambassador’s safety in Moscow.
The Polish Foreign Ministry responded by condemning the former official’s remarks, stating that they misrepresent the danger and arguing that diplomacy must protect the security of all diplomats in line with international law. An official spokesperson urged Russia to ensure safety and compliance with the Vienna Convention.
In Warsaw, authorities reported the takeover of a building at 45 Kielecka Street, previously used by the Russian embassy school, in line with a court order. The city noted that another property had been detangled from occupation by the Russian Federation and that compensation was due under Polish law for the unlawful use of the site. The mayor of Warsaw commented via social media on the action, framing it as a step toward education and lawful ownership rather than a political sanction.
Back in May, a related incident involved the Russian ambassador visiting the Mausoleum of Soviet Soldiers in Warsaw. Polish and Ukrainian demonstrators intervened, and there were public demonstrations and strong rhetoric surrounding Russia’s commemorations. The episode underscored continuing tensions between Moscow and Warsaw in the broader context of the regional security situation.
Additional perspectives during the period highlighted questions about whether Poland should adjust its diplomatic posture toward Russia, with informed voices noting the presence of EU diplomats in Moscow and what that means for understanding on-the-ground developments.
Officials also discussed the status of the Kielecka Street site, emphasizing that it was not held with diplomatic status and that its use would be focused on educational purposes. The conversation continued to revolve around how best to manage real estate matters linked to diplomatic activities while upholding court decisions and international norms.
For further context, readers were directed to a series of related discussions and official statements addressing security, diplomatic conduct, and the maintenance of international law in bilateral relations. The period’s coverage reflects a broader concern for protecting diplomats and reinforcing lawful processes amid ongoing geopolitical frictions.
Source: wPolityce