On January 8, 2025, a ceremonial event marking the closure of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in St. Petersburg took place, attended by Poland’s Ambassador to Russia, Krzysztof Krajewski. This event symbolized the end of the 52-year history of the Polish consular presence in one of Russia’s most significant cities.
The decision to close the consulate followed Russia’s withdrawal of consent for its operation. This move was a response to the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs’ earlier decision to shut down the Consulate General of Russia in Poznań. The Polish side justified its decision by citing cases of sabotage within the country allegedly linked to Russian authorities.
A Symbolic Farewell
During the closure ceremony, the Consulate General emphasized the importance of the institution for Poles and the Polish diaspora in Russia.
“The time has come to thank all of you for whom this place was significant. A place that had intrinsic value, offering a world completely different from the one surrounding us daily. (…) We extend our gratitude to all the General Consuls, Directors of the Polish Institute in St. Petersburg, all staff members of the Consulate and the Institute, and especially to those who, over the past three years, have carried out their mission with great dedication following Russia’s attack on Ukraine.”
Ambassador Krajewski also expressed hope that the Polish consular mission would return to St. Petersburg in “better times.”
A New Reality in Polish-Russian Relations
The closure of the consulate reflects the strained relations between Poland and Russia, which have worsened following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the subsequent diplomatic and political actions. While the consulate in St. Petersburg has ceased its operations, Poland continues to maintain diplomatic missions in Moscow, Kaliningrad, and Irkutsk.
For over half a century, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in St. Petersburg played a vital role in fostering connections between Poland and the residents of this region in Russia. The institution provided support for Poles living in Russia, served as a hub for cultural dialogue, and acted as a platform for promoting Polish culture and academia.
The closure of this consulate marks a significant chapter in the history of Polish diplomacy and the challenging relations between Poland and Russia.
