The Poland-Belarus border has been a tense area for the past few years due to the influx of immigrants from the Middle East and Africa seeking entry into the European Union through Poland and Lithuania. Now, the situation has escalated further with the news that over 100 mercenaries belonging to the Russian-linked Wagner group have moved close to the border with Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, speaking at a news conference, revealed that these mercenaries have positioned themselves near the Suwalki Gap. This stretch of Polish territory holds strategic importance as it lies between Belarus and Kaliningrad, a Russian territory separated from the mainland. Concerns over security have been mounting for Poland, a member of both the European Union and NATO, with Russia supporting ally Belarus and Ukraine on its eastern border.
The arrival of the Wagner group mercenaries in Belarus following their brief rebellion earlier this summer has only intensified these fears. Poland’s government has accused Russia and Belarus of using the influx of migrants to destabilize not only Poland but also other EU countries. They view this as a form of hybrid warfare and have responded by constructing a high wall along a section of the border with Belarus.
Prime Minister Morawiecki, during a visit to an arms factory in Gliwice, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that it poses an even greater danger. He sees this move by the mercenaries as a step towards a further hybrid attack on Polish territory.
As tensions continue to rise at the Poland-Belarus border, the international community will be closely watching for any possible escalation or diplomatic resolutions to ease the situation.