Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that a joint departmental review has begun to outline retaliatory measures in response to the seizure of a school operated by the Russian Embassy in Poland. The statement came during a briefing meant to illuminate current foreign policy developments and Russia’s reactions to ongoing international incidents.
“Retaliation in such cases is a possible option and is considered as part of the reciprocal steps we take in response to the actions of the other side,” Zakharova noted, explaining the rationale behind Moscow’s planning process. This remark underscored that any response would be calibrated and officially coordinated through the appropriate channels within the ministry and allied departments.
Attention has turned to the meticulous work underway in Moscow as officials analyze potential measures, ranging from diplomatic signals to broader responses that align with Russia’s foreign policy objectives. The diplomat emphasized that the discussion has moved beyond preliminary talk and into concrete preparations, reflecting the seriousness with which Moscow treats the incident and its consequences for bilateral ties.
Earlier, on the morning of April 29, authorities in Warsaw proceeded with the forced seizure of the school building situated on the compound of the Russian Embassy. In the hours that followed, officials informed the staff that they had until 19:00 Moscow time on the same day to clear their personal effects and vacate the premises. The action marked a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over the property and its diplomatic status, provoking a swift conversation about the implications for diplomatic immunity and the safety of diplomatic staff.
In response to the seizure, the Russian Embassy in Poland submitted a formal protest to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, detailing the confiscation and seeking clarification on the legal grounds and remedies available. The note highlighted Moscow’s position that the move undermined international norms governing diplomatic property and raised concerns about the preservation of diplomatic mission continuity and staff welfare.
On the afternoon of May 2, the Polish Charge d’Affaires in the Russian Federation, Jacek Szczlyadewski, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and subsequently left the Diplomatic Mission in the capital. The meeting signified a formal channel for addressing the incident, with Moscow signaling that it would pursue diplomatic avenues to resolve the dispute and to protect its diplomatic facilities and personnel while preserving bilateral channels for dialogue and negotiation.