World

Russian plot to kill an American citizen in Warsaw thwarted by Poland

Updated: 

Published: 

Retired Department of Defence official Andrew Rasiulis says the recent Russian strikes are causing 'substantial damage' to Ukraine's ability to fight the war.

WARSAW -- A Russian plot to kill a Ukrainian American citizen in Warsaw was thwarted by Poland before it could be carried out, the Polish prime minister said Thursday.

It was the first time that “someone on the order of Russia” sought to attack a Ukrainian American citizen on the territory of another NATO country, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

A suspect, who was allegedly recruited by Russia’s secret services, was detained by Polish authorities on Aug. 7.

The Ukrainian American citizen “was uncomfortable for the Putin regime,” Tusk said in a news conference.

The operation was carried out in co-operation with U.S. services, said Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland’s minister overseeing intelligence services. He said the targeted victim was a U.S. citizen “of Ukrainian origin.” Officials did not immediately provide further details.

The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrives for the EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Havana, File) Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrives for the EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Havana, File)

By Claudia Ciobanu, The Associated Press