The suspect, identified only as Illia K. under Polish privacy laws, was indicted by prosecutors in the southwestern city of Wrocław and faces trial before the Wrocław District Court.
He was arrested by Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW) on August 12, 2025.
According to prosecutors, the suspect acted on behalf of a foreign intelligence service between November 2024 and August 2025.
Investigators say he painted slogans and symbols glorifying the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) on monuments and public buildings in several locations across Poland. The UPA is widely blamed in Poland for the Volhynia Massacre of tens of thousands of Polish civilians during World War II, atrocities that the Polish parliament has recognised as genocide.
Prosecutors said the suspect's actions were intended to inflame tensions between Poles and Ukrainians, stir social unrest and undermine public confidence in state institutions.
"The actions of the accused and his handlers, carried out on behalf of a foreign intelligence service, were aimed at inciting hatred on the basis of nationality, deepening antagonisms between Poles and Ukrainians and causing social unrest," National Public Prosecutor's Office spokesman Przemysław Nowak said in a statement last Thursday.
Prosecutors accuse Illia K. of committing 45 criminal offences and participating in an organised crime group to carry out sabotage against Poland on behalf of a foreign intelligence service.
In addition, prosecutors allege he prepared a sabotage operation using a drone during Poland's Armed Forces Day parade last year.
Investigators said he acted for financial gain rather than ideological reasons and was paid for carrying out assignments, including in cryptocurrency.
According to prosecutors, the suspect initially admitted to the charges and gave statements to investigators before later withdrawing his confession, pleading not guilty and exercising his right to remain silent.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Prosecutors said they are also investigating other alleged members of the criminal group.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP