Russian Plot to Target Airline Cargo Confirmed by Poland's Prime Minister

In a striking announcement, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that Western intelligence has identified a Russian plot aimed at instigating air terror against global airlines. The revelation came during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Warsaw, where Tusk stated, “I can only confirm that Russia planned acts of air terror, not just against Poland but against airlines across the globe.” While details about current Russian intentions remain vague, the alarming plot was initially uncovered over the summer, following incidents involving incendiary devices at shipping hubs in the UK and Germany that led to minor damages.

In November, four Western intelligence officials revealed that these incidents were indicative of a test by the Russian military intelligence service, known as the GRU. The specific objectives of the operation are still unclear, but investigations are ongoing to determine if the ultimate aim was to cause havoc by targeting aircraft at various airports or potentially detonating a plane in-flight.

The alarm reached a critical point by fall, prompting President Biden to have his national security adviser and the CIA director communicate with Kremlin officials, warning them that continued planning of such attacks would meet with a significant U.S. response. Officials assert that any act of sabotage resulting in mass casualties would be perceived as a serious escalation of hostilities, with the U.S. holding Russia accountable for facilitating acts of terrorism.