Poland Demands Belarus Extradite Ukrainians Over Railway Sabotage

Poland has formally requested Belarus to extradite two Ukrainian citizens accused of sabotaging the country’s railway network, the Polish foreign ministry announced on Thursday. The men, identified as Oleksandr K. and Yevhenii I., allegedly carried out the attacks on behalf of Russia.

The sabotage incidents took place on Sunday along a railway line connecting Poland to Ukraine. One of the attacks involved an explosion, causing disruption to train services and raising serious safety concerns. Authorities say these acts threatened Poland’s critical infrastructure and highlighted vulnerabilities in cross-border transport networks.

After the incidents, the two suspects reportedly fled to Belarus. In response, Poland delivered an extradition request to the Belarusian charge d’affaires in Warsaw on Wednesday. Prosecutors in Poland have charged the men in absentia with railway sabotage, emphasizing the severity of the crimes and the risk posed to public safety.

Polish officials stressed the importance of Belarus cooperating in returning the suspects to face justice. They highlighted that prosecuting those responsible is crucial for deterring future attacks and maintaining the safety of essential transport infrastructure.

The events come amid heightened regional tensions, as Poland has expressed ongoing concerns about cross-border threats related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The government said it is taking additional measures to secure railway lines, including increased monitoring and preventive inspections, to ensure the safety of passengers and freight.

The case is being closely followed by security agencies in Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine, as authorities work to investigate the full scope of the sabotage and any potential links to other attacks. The extradition process is expected to be closely scrutinized, as cooperation between the two neighboring countries remains vital for regional security.