Explosion

An explosion damaged a railway line in Poland that connects to the Ukrainian border, in what officials called an act of sabotage.

Context

Poland's railway network serves as a critical supply route for military aid to Ukraine and provides passage for civilians traveling to and from the country. The nation has experienced multiple arson and sabotage attacks in recent years, which officials attribute to Russia's efforts to destabilize Western support for Ukraine, though Moscow has consistently denied involvement in such incidents.

The Incident

An explosion occurred on Saturday evening near the village of Mika, approximately 60 miles southeast of Warsaw. Local residents reported hearing a blast that shook buildings and rattled windows several miles away. Police investigated that night but found nothing unusual.

The damage to the tracks was discovered early Sunday morning when a train driver spotted a missing section of rail and made an emergency stop. The train was carrying only two passengers and several staff members, and no one was injured.

Second Suspected Attack

A second incident took place on the same rail line near the town of Puławy on Sunday evening. 

A train carrying 475 passengers was forced to make an emergency stop after damage to overhead power lines, and a metal object was found on the tracks. No one was injured in this incident, which authorities believe was also likely an act of sabotage.

Investigation and Response

Poland's interior minister confirmed on Monday that explosives were used in the first incident. Officials collected significant evidence from the scene, including security camera footage, to help identify those responsible. The country's special services minister said there was a "very high chance" that foreign intelligence services ordered the attacks, though he did not explicitly name Russia.

The military began inspecting approximately 75 miles of track leading to the Ukrainian border. Officials said the damaged route is used by 115 trains daily and is also used to transport weapons to Ukraine. Prosecutors opened an investigation into acts of sabotage "of a terrorist nature" committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence service.