Poland detains Russian over plot to kill US national in Warsaw

Poland has arrested a Russian national who was allegedly planning to kill a Ukrainian‑American dual citizen in Warsaw, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Thursday. The suspect was taken into custody by Warsaw police on Sunday after an investigation linked him to a weapon and a surveillance dossier that pointed to the target, a 34‑year‑old entrepreneur living in the city. Police say the man was caught with a loaded pistol and a list of the target’s daily routine.

The arrest comes amid a sharp rise in Russian‑linked threats against Ukrainian refugees and allies in Poland. Warsaw is a key NATO hub, hosting U.S. troops and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps. Tusk said this is the first time a “person on the order of Russia” has sought to attack an American citizen on NATO territory. The move follows a wave of Russian‑state sponsored attacks on Ukrainian civilians and a growing concern that Moscow is turning to covert operations to destabilise its neighbours.

Evidence presented by investigators shows the suspect had been monitoring the target for at least ten days, photographing his home and work schedule. The police seized a notebook with coded messages and a Russian passport. The suspect is charged with attempted murder and terrorism under Polish law. The U.S. State Department has expressed support for Poland’s actions and said it will cooperate with Polish authorities. NATO’s spokesperson confirmed that the alliance will review security protocols for American citizens in member states.

The case will go to trial in Warsaw’s district court, where the suspect will face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Polish prosecutors will also investigate whether the suspect had instructions from Moscow. The incident is likely to prompt tighter security measures for dual citizens and foreign nationals in Poland. It also signals that Poland will not tolerate covert attacks on its soil, reinforcing the country’s role as a frontline defender of European security.