Putin’s Poland Ambassador: Decree Vanishes Without Explanation

A brief but bizarre twist in Russian diplomacy unfolded on Friday when a presidential decree by Vladimir Putin; naming a new Russian ambassador to Poland, appeared on the Kremlin’s official website, only to be quietly deleted hours later. The unexplained removal has raised questions about what’s happening behind the scenes in Moscow’s foreign policy apparatus.

Mikhno Named as Replacement – Then Not

According to an initial report by state-run news agency TASS, Georgy Mikhno, a senior official in the Foreign Ministry responsible for “new challenges and threats,” was appointed to replace Sergei Andreev, Russia’s long-serving ambassador to Warsaw. Andreev has held the position since 2014 and was rumored to be stepping down, according to pro-Kremlin sources.

The decree posted online confirmed Mikhno’s appointment, stating that the 52-year-old diplomat would assume the high-stakes role in Poland amid strained relations between Moscow and Warsaw; especially in the context of the ongoing Ukraine war and regional NATO dynamics.

Mysterious Disappearance of the Decree

Shortly after the report was published, the original government decree disappeared from the official portal. TASS then issued a rare correction, stating that “the relevant decrees were revoked.” No further clarification was provided, and neither the Kremlin nor the Russian Foreign Ministry have offered any public explanation for the incident.

Silence from Moscow

The lack of official commentary has fueled speculation. Some observers suggest an internal dispute or a diplomatic miscalculation could have triggered the retraction. Others theorize it might have been an intentional leak or a test balloon that was quickly walked back due to internal disagreements or unexpected external pushback.

Notably, Poland remains one of the most vocal critics of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and is a key NATO member on the alliance’s eastern flank. The appointment of a figure like Mikhno; who deals with emerging threats, could have been viewed as a provocative signal in diplomatic circles.

Who Is Georgy Mikhno?

Georgy Mikhno is known for his work on Russia’s nontraditional security challenges, including cyber threats, terrorism, and strategic influence operations. His potential elevation to ambassador may have signaled a shift in Moscow’s diplomatic posture toward Warsaw, possibly indicating a focus on hybrid warfare and intelligence rather than traditional diplomacy.

What’s Next?

The current status of the ambassadorship to Poland remains uncertain. Andreev’s tenure appears to be winding down, but without an official replacement named, speculation will likely continue. Whether this was a clerical error, an intentional retraction, or part of a deeper geopolitical strategy is unknown.

Conclusion

The Putin ambassador Poland decree mystery adds another layer to the already complex and tense relationship between Russia and Poland. The silent vanishing act, paired with no explanation from Moscow, leaves diplomats and analysts alike wondering what message—if any—the Kremlin intended to send. Until clarification emerges, the brief appearance and retraction of Georgy Mikhno’s appointment remains one of 2025’s most curious diplomatic episodes.