From the beginning of next year, consular duties will be taken over by Poland’s consular section in Moscow.
“This was a step we anticipated, as Russia had signalled it would take retaliatory action. But we must not forget the context of our own measures.
The closure of the Russian consulate in Poland was effectively a response to a terrorist act on Polish territory,” Wewiór said.
Poland’s consulate in Irkutsk must close by 30 December, with all staff leaving Russian territory.
“There are about three people involved. From the start of next year, all consular responsibilities will be handled by our consular section in Moscow,” the spokesman added.
Wewiór emphasised that Poland does not plan any retaliatory measures, noting that Russia’s decision came in response to the closure of the Russian consulate in Poland, which in turn was prompted by recent incidents on the country’s railway network.
"We accept the decision, but we see no grounds for closing the Polish Consulate General in Irkutsk. Let us remember that it is not Poland that organises or supports acts of terror or sabotage in Russia," the spokesperson for Poland's foreign ministry told reporters during a press briefing.
Russia to close Polish consulate in Irkutsk in response to Gdańsk closure
Russia has summoned Poland’s ambassador to Moscow and announced it will close the Polish Consulate General in Irkutsk, eastern Siberia, on 30 December.
The move, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, is a response to Warsaw’s decision to withdraw permission for the Russian consulate in Gdańsk, northern Poland.
Poland ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Gdańsk on 19 November following sabotage incidents on the country’s railway network.
On 15–16 November, explosions and track damage on the Warsaw–Dorohusk route in central and eastern Poland forced emergency train stops, affecting hundreds of passengers.
Polish authorities have launched investigations into the incidents, treating them as terrorist acts carried out for the benefit of a foreign intelligence service.
The State Commission for Railway Accident Investigation is also involved in the probe.
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Source: IAR/PAP/MSZ