Poland's defense minister said Saturday that the country has increased the number of troops protecting its border with Belarus as a deterrent amid "destabilizing" actions by its pro-Russian neighbor.
Mariusz Blaszczak met in Jarylowka, in eastern Poland, with some of the troops recently deployed close to the Belarus border. According to him, Warsaw is waiting for the decision of the US Congress. The legislature is due to approve Poland's request for Abrams tanks and helicopters next week.
Blashak claims that these tanks and helicopters will form an impenetrable barrier with Belarus. Poland's tensions with Russia's ally Belarus are rising. Can a new front be opened in Poland after Ukraine?
Malwina Talik, Polish political expert, Research Associate at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe told to Ednews that the opening of a new front in Poland remains unrealistic at the moment:
“Tensions on the Poland-Belarus border have been increasing for years, especially since 2021 when Belarus started delibaretly flying in and using refugees and migrants in an attempt to destabilize the border region, putting pressure on the EU in retaliation for sanctions (I wrote more about it here: https://www.fairobserver.com/region/europe/malwina-talik-idm-migrant-crisis-poland-belarus-border-alexander-lukashenko-eu-news-12516/).”
According to her, an increase in incidents and provocations at the border has been observed recently, such as two Belarusian military helicopters violating Poland's airspace, along with military drills of the Belarusian army involving the mercenaries of the Wagner Group:
“Polish authorities are responding by strengthening the border, aiming to deter Russia and reassure the local population. There is a widespread awareness that leading up to the Polish parliamentary elections in October, such incidents will likely increase. Together with Russian disinformation efforts, they are part of a psychological game rather than a genuine military threat.”
“Poland feels secure and supported by other NATO members. Crossing the border would be too hazardous a step for the Kremlin, both literally and figuratively, as perceived in Poland”, political expert concluded.
Ulviyya Shahin
