Poland thwarts Russian plot to kill American citizen in Warsaw

Polish authorities have announced the successful thwarting of a Russian plot to assassinate an American citizen in Warsaw. Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed on Thursday, August 13, 2026, that a suspect, allegedly recruited by Russian secret services, was detained on August 7. The target was identified as a Ukrainian-American citizen considered "uncomfortable for the Putin regime," though their identity has not been publicly disclosed.

This incident marks the first time that Russia has allegedly sought to attack a U.S. citizen on the territory of a NATO member country, according to Prime Minister Tusk. The operation was carried out in cooperation with U.S. services, and the 29-year-old Russian suspect has been charged with planning a murder and accepting a contract to commit murder.

Tusk warned that Russia's regime may attempt to eliminate individuals deemed undesirable in various locations globally, particularly as Western officials note an increase in Russian targeted killings since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.