Polish man arrested for 'aiding' Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. FILE/REUTERS.

A Polish man has been arrested on allegations of aiding a plot by Russian intelligence services to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The man, identified as Pawel K, was apprehended in Poland on Wednesday. In a statement issued by the Polish national prosecutor’s office, Pawel has been accused of being prepared to pass airport security information to Russian agents.

Polish and Ukrainian prosecutors have collaborated closely in this investigation.

Details of the plot

The prosecutors said Pawel was seeking direct contact with Russians actively involved in the Ukraine war. He was expected to provide detailed information about the Rzeszów-Jasionka airport, located in south-eastern Poland near the Ukrainian border.

This airport is crucial for international military and humanitarian supplies for Ukraine and is frequented by international leaders and aid workers, including Zelenskyy.

The airport is currently under the control of the US troops, making it a strategic point in the region.

According to Polish authorities’ statement Paweł was tasked “to help, among other things, in planning by Russian special services a possible attack on the life of the head of a foreign state – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”

Prosecutors said the man agreed to provide information to Russian spies about security at Rzeszów-Jasionka airport, in southeastern Poland, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the border with Ukraine.

Legal consequences

According to the Polish national prosecutor’s office, if convicted, Pawel could face up to eight years in prison.

Cooperation & evidence

The arrest was made possible through close cooperation between Polish and Ukrainian prosecutors and security services.

Ukrainian Chief Prosecutor Andriy Kostin said crucial evidence was provided by Ukrainian authorities, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

International espionage

In a separate incident, German prosecutors have also made arrests related to espionage activities. Two German-Russian men were arrested in the Bavarian city of Bayreuth on suspicion of espionage.

One of the men is accused of planning attacks on potential targets, including US military facilities, in an attempt to disrupt aid efforts for Ukraine.

Ongoing threat

These arrests highlight the ongoing threat posed by Russia not only to Ukraine, but to the broader international community. Ukrainian Chief Prosecutor Andriy Kostin stressed that Russia’s actions demonstrate a persistent danger to sovereignty and peace in the region and beyond. The suspects in both cases are currently in detention pending further legal proceedings.

With inputs from agencies