Poland Strengthens Eastern Border Amid Hybrid War with Belarus
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Saturday that Poland is commencing efforts to further fortify its entire eastern border, citing ongoing challenges related to what he termed a "hybrid war" stemming from illegal migration originating in Belarus.
The Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers from Warsaw refrained from disclosing specific actions or allocated funds but emphasised that Poland's commitment to security knows no bounds, as reported by Reuters.
"The border between Poland and Belarus stands as a unique focal point due to the relentless pressure of illegal immigration. Indeed, we are confronted with an escalating hybrid conflict," declared the Prime Minister during his inspection of the border, where he met with soldiers and guards.
"I want to leave no room for doubt - countries with increasingly aggressive intentions towards Poland, such as Belarus, are complicit in orchestrating these activities along the Polish border."
In 2021, both the previous Polish government and the European Union accused Belarus of orchestrating an influx of migrants to exert pressure on the EU regarding sanctions imposed on Minsk. Belarus denied these accusations.
Attempts to breach the border have persisted, with the frequency fluctuating based on weather conditions. Presently, the Polish border police report approximately 300 illegal crossing attempts per day.
Tensions between the neighbouring countries have been exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Belarus's ally.
The preceding administration erected a fence along the Poland-Belarus border, spanning over 180 km and standing at a height of 5.5 metres, as a measure to thwart illegal migration. This barrier is complemented by a system of cameras and sensors for border monitoring.
Tusk asserted that the new fortifications will span the "entire eastern border," potentially encompassing Ukraine and Russia, though specifics were not provided.
"It's not solely about Poland's internal border but also about the EU's border. Consequently, I have no doubt that all of Europe will need to invest in its security by committing to the eastern border of Poland and the security of our shared border," declared Tusk.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
