Russia is attempting to block Poland from taking over the former consulate building in Gdańsk by claiming an embassy worker will remain on the premises, RMF24 reports. The maneuver comes just days before the diplomatic mission must officially close at midnight on 23 December 2025. Polish officials rejected Moscow's claim to the property as "wrong and untrue," setting the stage for what could become a years-long legal battle. This comes amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a rise in sabotage and espionage activity in the EU.
Moscow sends letter claiming continued presence as Poland rejects Russian ownership claims
RMF24 reports that Gdańsk Vice Mayor Emilia Lodzińska announced at a 22 December press conference that Russia's embassy sent a letter to the city. The letter stated that an "administrative-technical employee of the embassy" would remain at the properties on Stefan Batory Street 13 and 15.
"We will physically not be able to take over these properties," Lodzińska said.
The Russian side claims the property belongs to the Russian Federation and requests all necessary measures to ensure the premises remain inviolable. Moscow also insists the buildings "will continue to be diplomatic properties," according to Lodzińska, who emphasized that land registry records clearly show Poland's State Treasury owns both buildings, making Moscow's claims "wrong and untrue."
Legal battle could drag on for years
Lodzińska announced Gdańsk would pursue legal steps available under Polish law. According to guidance from Poland's Foreign Ministry, the city must request the General Prosecutor's Office to file a lawsuit on behalf of the State Treasury. Only after obtaining a favorable court ruling could bailiffs execute the property transfer.
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Cezary Chabel, director of the Legal Office at Gdańsk City Hall, warned that forcing Russia to hand over the buildings could take several years. Pomeranian Deputy Voivode Emil Rojek — the regional leader — confirmed that after 23 December, the property loses its protected status under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Closure ordered in response to sabotage
Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced on 19 November that he revoked permission for the Russian consulate to operate in Gdańsk. The decision responded to Russian acts of sabotage targeting railway lines in Poland. The Foreign Ministry set a deadline of midnight on 23 December for the consulate to close and all staff to leave Polish territory.
Russia retaliated on 27 November by summoning the Polish Ambassador and announcing it would close Poland's Consulate General in Irkutsk.
