The diplomat was referring to events on Sunday, 16 November 2025, when he was surrounded by a group of Russians shouting anti-Polish and anti-Ukrainian slogans during a visit to Saint Petersburg.
Krajewski explained that such incidents frequently occur when he travels outside Moscow to meet the Polish diaspora and visit memorial sites. He emphasised that these events always involve organised, well-prepared groups chanting hostile slogans.
“These are self-styled ‘duty activists’ who claim to defend the Russian Federation, which they believe is under threat,” Krajewski said. According to the ambassador, such behaviour exceeds all acceptable boundaries in diplomatic relations.
Ambassador targeted by organised group on Saint Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospect
In a comment to the Polish state news agency PAP, Krajewski revealed that another hostile act occurred while he was walking along Nevsky Prospect, Saint Petersburg’s main thoroughfare. The group first provoked him verbally before attempting a physical assault.
“Thanks to the professionalism of embassy staff, no physical attack occurred,” Krajewski said. He stressed that the incident was deliberate, as an organised group with banners targeting a passing individual cannot be considered accidental. Following the incident, the ambassador sent a formal protest note to Russian authorities.
Defence minister condemns attack as breach of international law
“The attack on the Polish ambassador in Russia is not only a diplomatic scandal but also a violation of international law,” Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said. He added that Russia has shown it is not interested in normalising relations with Poland.
“This is scandalous behaviour, crossing yet another boundary of diplomatic norms,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said, adding that Russia appears intent on escalating tensions. He affirmed that Poland will continue to uphold international law and ensure the safety of its diplomats.
Poland raises concerns with Russian authorities
Foreign Ministry spokesman Maciej Wewiór confirmed that Poland raised the matter with the Russian chargé d’affaires during a meeting on Wednesday, 19 November.
“The Russian side acknowledged that such situations should not occur,” he said. Wewiór also confirmed that the incident, which escalated toward a physical attack, was preceded by verbal provocation and required intervention by security personnel.
The story was first reported by the Polish daily newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza.
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Source: IAR/Polish Radio/PAP/Gazeta Wyborcza