Polish authorities are intensifying their investigation into what Prime Minister Donald Tusk has described as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” on a railway line that plays a major role in transporting military aid and civilians between Poland and Ukraine. The explosion, discovered early Sunday near the village of Mika, damaged a section of track along the Warsaw–Lublin railway, a corridor considered crucially important for deliveries heading toward the Ukrainian border.
Officials said that the blast had been carried out using an explosive device and that a second incident that took place later on the same day, which caused damage to overhead electrical cables near Pulawy, was also being investigated as deliberate. According to investigations conducted by security services, there was a strong possibility that the events were connected, and it was stated that there was a high likelihood that the perpetrators acted under orders from a foreign intelligence service. While no state was named, investigators noted that Poland has seen a pattern of hybrid attacks recently, including arson attempts, parcel bombs, and covert surveillance activities targeting infrastructure linked to support for Ukraine.
Authorities emphasised that the latest incidents appear professionally executed. A train driver first detected the damaged train track early Sunday, prompting an emergency stop. Despite the presence of two passengers and several staff, there were no reported injuries. Before formally identifying the issue, several trains had reportedly passed over the location earlier that morning.
The interior ministry later claimed that the use of explosives were “beyond any doubt.” Local residents told broadcasters they heard a loud blast the night before, with some describing buildings shaking from the impact. Despite this, initial patrols found nothing unusual, and the line remained open until the damage was confirmed the next day.
Officials said substantial evidence has been collected, including security camera footage, though no suspects have been detained. The defence ministry plans to inspect a 120-kilometre stretch of the Warsaw-Lublin-Hrubieszów line, reflecting concerns that the attempts may signal the start of a broader campaign against rail infrastructure.
NATO’s leadership has said it is in close contact with Warsaw as the inquiry proceeds. European officials have also warned that incidents of apparent sabotage must be assessed calmly, noting that hybrid disruption efforts across the continent have become more frequent since the start of the war in Ukraine.
