Poland charges a Ukrainian helper in Russia’s plot to blow up a freight train on Ukraine’s supply line

Polish prosecutors have charged a Ukrainian citizen, Volodymyr B., in connection with Russia's alleged plot to sabotage a freight train on a critical railway line running from Warsaw to Poland's border with Ukraine. If convicted, B. could face life imprisonment. This is part of Russia's broader campaign of sabotage against countries that support Ukraine, with railways specifically targeted as vital supply routes.

The indictment outlines how B. and another Ukrainian, Yevhenii I., were involved in placing explosives on the tracks near Mika, southeast of Warsaw, in September 2025. These explosives were designed to seriously intimidate and sway public opinion, according to the prosecution. On November 15, 2025, the two men detonated a blast under a freight train using a military-grade C4 charge, causing significant damage but no derailment.

The attackers also set up specially modified metal elements on the tracks that could potentially derail trains. Both men fled Poland by November 16, 2025, crossing into Belarus at the Terespol border crossing. Polish authorities have issued arrest warrants for B. and Yevhenii I., as well as an Interpol red notice, and have detained B. since November 2025.

This case is part of a broader incident where Russia has been using Ukrainian citizens to carry out attacks on the infrastructure that supports Ukraine. In response, Poland has taken significant security measures, including deploying 10,000 troops to protect critical infrastructure and closing Russia's last consulate in the country. Reports indicate a rise in hate crimes against Ukrainians in Poland, with incidents increasing by over 30% in the first half of 2025.