Poland to restrict Russian diplomats' movement, Moscow warns of 'retaliatory measures'

Poland on Monday (May 28) announced that it would restrict the movement of Russian diplomats in the country as a part of a security measure.

The decision comes after Poland apprehended several people who were allegedly orchestrating sabotage attacks on behalf of Russian security services.

The latest measures would curb the movement of consular staff to the Warsaw region, however, it will not have any impact on the Russian ambassador, Sergei Andreyev.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that his country was not the first one to impose such restrictions, further adding that he hoped more countries would join the list.

"I just announced a Polish decision in connection to Russia's participation in hybrid warfare against the European Union, including Poland: a restriction of movement for Russian diplomats in our country," he told reporters in Brussels after meeting with his EU counterparts.

Sikorski, in his announcement, stated that he hoped Russia would take the curbs as a "very serious warning signal".

"These are national decisions, but we have evidence that the Russian state is involved in authorizing sabotage in our country as well. We hope that the Russian Federation will treat this as a very serious warning," he added.

Moscow says will respond to restrictions

Russia, following the announcement by Poland, said that it would respond to the restrictions imposed by Warsaw and that Poland would "greatly regret" the move.

"We will study it and take retaliatory measures so that the Polish top brass -- drowning in Russophobia -- will greatly regret these latest anti-Russian steps," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

However, Russian ambassadorSergei Andreyev said that the embassy was not yet officially notified about the move,adding that "no explanations" were given in this regard.

(With inputs from agencies)