WARSAW, Poland — Polish prosecutors have formally indicted a man accused of working with Russian military intelligence in an alleged plot to facilitate the assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, authorities announced Tuesday.
The suspect, identified only as Pawel K., was arrested in April 2024 following a joint investigation between Polish and Ukrainian authorities. He faces up to eight years in prison if convicted under espionage-related charges.
According to the Polish National Prosecutor’s Office, Pawel K. had expressed a willingness to collaborate with Russian foreign intelligence services and had established communications with individuals directly involved in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“The activities were intended to support the planning by Russian special services of a potential assassination attempt on the life of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,” the prosecutor’s statement said.
Prosecutors allege that Pawel K.’s role was to gather sensitive intelligence about security measures at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland, a key logistical hub for Western military aid and humanitarian shipments to Ukraine. This airport has played a vital role in the international response to Russia’s invasion and has hosted several high-level delegations and transits by Ukrainian officials.
Officials emphasized that his actions were aimed at aiding a foreign military entity in hostile activities, citing evidence of direct links with operatives involved in Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Poland has repeatedly warned that it is a top target for Russian espionage due to its pivotal role in supporting Ukraine. Polish officials accuse both Russia and Belarus of conducting coordinated efforts to destabilize the country through cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and infiltration by intelligence operatives — claims the Kremlin has consistently denied.
The latest indictment underscores escalating security concerns in Central Europe as the war in Ukraine continues to pose threats beyond its borders. Warsaw has significantly ramped up counterintelligence efforts in recent years, particularly in light of increasing sabotage attempts and alleged plots targeting critical infrastructure and political figures across NATO-member states.
The case against Pawel K. is expected to proceed to trial in the coming months.
