Russian plot to kill Ukrainian American thwarted in Warsaw, says Polish PM

Key Points:

• Polish authorities thwarted a Russian plot to assassinate a Ukrainian American citizen in Warsaw, marking the first known attempt by Russia to target a US citizen on NATO territory, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
• The suspect, allegedly recruited by Russian secret services, was detained on 7 August and is held in custody for three months; the operation was conducted in cooperation with US intelligence services.
• This incident is part of a broader Russian campaign of targeted killings and sabotage across Europe since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, aimed at undermining countries supporting Ukraine.
• Historical examples of Russian assassination attempts in Europe include the killings of Alexander Litvinenko, Sergei Skripal, and Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, with recent plots disrupted in France, Lithuania, Germany, and Poland.
• Polish and Western officials warn that the Putin regime is likely to continue targeting individuals inconvenient to Russia worldwide, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and countermeasures.