Polish Railway Linking Warsaw and Lublin Sabotaged, Prime Minister Says
A railway line connecting Warsaw and Lublin was deliberately damaged over the weekend, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Monday, describing the incident as an unprecedented act of sabotage. The track, which has been a vital corridor for transporting humanitarian aid to Ukraine, was rendered inoperable after an unknown party damaged a section of the line near the town of Kozienice.
According to officials, the sabotage involved the removal of several sections of rail and the placement of explosive charges, causing a break in the track that halted all freight traffic along the route. Preliminary investigations by the national police and railway security services suggest that the attack was carefully planned and executed, though no group has yet claimed responsibility.
The Warsaw‑Lublin line has played a key role in the logistics chain supplying food, medical supplies, and other assistance to Ukrainian border crossings. Since the start of the conflict in 2022, the corridor has seen a significant increase in freight volume, with estimates indicating that thousands of tonnes of aid have passed through the route each month. Disruptions therefore risk delaying critical deliveries and could force a rerouting of supplies through longer, less efficient paths.
Polish authorities have pledged to restore the damaged section swiftly, mobilizing railway engineers and security personnel to both repair the infrastructure and reinforce other vulnerable points along the network. The government has also announced an increase in surveillance and patrols of railway assets, emphasizing a “zero‑tolerance” approach to further sabotage attempts.
International observers and humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the incident, urging swift action to ensure the continuity of aid flows. Analysts note that the sabotage could be part of a broader effort to undermine regional stability or to pressure governments involved in supporting Ukraine. While the exact motive remains unclear, officials emphasized that the incident will be investigated thoroughly and that any perpetrators will face legal consequences.
In the meantime, alternative transport routes are being activated to mitigate the impact on aid deliveries. The Polish government expects the repaired track to be back in operation within weeks, aiming to minimize disruption to the critical supply chain supporting Ukraine’s humanitarian needs.
