Poland has ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Krakow following an investigation that implicated the Kremlin in a 2024 arson attack that destroyed a Warsaw shopping center.

Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski announced the closure on Monday, coinciding with a visit to the U.K. This decision follows a year-long investigation into the fire that ravaged a shopping center containing approximately 1,400 stores last year.

“The fire at the Warsaw shopping mall was a significant incident, and it’s fortunate that no one was injured. This is unacceptable,” stated Sikorski. “Consequently, the Russian consulate will be closed, and further actions will be taken if these attacks persist.”

Russian officials have refuted the allegations and denounced Poland’s decision in press statements.

“Warsaw is deliberately undermining relations and acting against the interests of its own citizens,” stated ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, according to reports in Russian media.

This incident occurs just days before a scheduled meeting in Turkey between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President . Putin initially proposed the meeting, and President prompted Zelenskyy to accept. Putin has stated that the talks in Istanbul should be unconditional and aimed at achieving lasting peace.

While Putin has offered limited concessions, he now suggests that the talks should address the fundamental causes of the conflict. He mentioned on Sunday that he intends to discuss facilitating negotiations with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan, which he believes could lead to a ceasefire.

“Our proposal remains on the table,” Putin stated. “The decision now rests with the Ukrainian authorities and their advisors, who appear to be driven by personal political ambitions rather than the interests of their people.”

The Russian leader indicated that Moscow and Kyiv might agree on “new truces, a new ceasefire” during the negotiations in Turkey, viewing the talks as a preliminary step toward a “sustainable” peace.

Landon Mion contributed to this report.