Polish Security Services Detain Two Ukrainians for Alleged Russian Espionage Targeting Ukraine Logistics

Polish security services apprehended two Ukrainian nationals in Katowice on October 14, 2025, on suspicion of working as agents for Russian intelligence. The detained individuals, a 32-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, are accused of conducting reconnaissance on critical infrastructure, specifically transportation networks crucial for channeling military and logistical aid into Ukraine. This operation was led by Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW).

Following their arrest, a court ordered a three-month pre-trial detention period for both suspects, underscoring the perceived threat to national security and regional stability. Investigators established that the information gathered by the pair concerned Polish military assets and strategic infrastructure, including vehicles vital for the support corridors into Ukraine. The case is currently being handled by the Military Department of the District Prosecutor's Office in Lublin, with the suspects facing charges under the article concerning espionage for foreign intelligence.

This incident is part of a wider security crackdown across Poland against alleged Russian interference. In late June 2025, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the detention of 32 individuals suspected of collaborating with Russian special services; that group comprised citizens from Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Colombia. More recently, in October 2025, Polish officials indicated that the total number of individuals detained in recent months across several overlapping probes into Russian intelligence activity had risen to 55. Furthermore, in July 2024, Poland established a dedicated commission to investigate the extent of Russian and Belarusian influence within the country.

The focus on transportation corridors highlights a recurring theme in geopolitical maneuvering, as disrupting logistics can achieve strategic aims without direct military engagement. Security analysts have noted a significant increase in cyber-espionage attempts against Eastern European rail and port authorities since early 2024, often coinciding with physical reconnaissance efforts, suggesting a coordinated, multi-domain approach by hostile agencies.