Poland is considering fully closing its border with Belarus due to alleged attempts by operatives of the Wagner Group private military company to infiltrate the country. In an interview with CNN, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski emphasized the “very real” threat posed by the PMC stationed in Belarus.
Jablonski stated, “We are considering any steps that will be necessary to protect our territory, protect our citizens, including the full isolation of Belarus, including full closure of the border.” He added that while they would like to avoid such measures, continued attacks and attempts to destabilize Poland may leave them with no other option.
The deputy FM also reiterated previous claims that the Wagner Group has been trying to infiltrate Poland in order to demonstrate their power and lack of accountability. However, he did not provide any concrete evidence to support these allegations.
This announcement comes in the wake of Poland’s recent claim that two Belarusian helicopters violated their airspace at low altitude. The Belarusian defense ministry denies this incident, stating that objective control data shows no grounds for accusations of border violation.
The presence of Wagner Group operatives in Belarus stems from a failed insurrection within the PMC. After the mutiny, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko brokered a deal between the group and Russia’s government, allowing any contractors who wished to move to Belarus to do so.
Poland strongly opposes the redeployment of Wagner Group operatives near their border, particularly in the area known as the Suwalki gap. This short border between Poland and Lithuania also separates Russia’s enclave of Kaliningrad from Belarus. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has called the alleged activities of the PMC near the border a clear step towards a future hybrid attack on Polish territory.
In response to these allegations, Lukashenko has dismissed them as rumors and claimed that Poland has “gone mad.” The two countries remain at odds over the alleged threat posed by the Wagner Group and the potential closure of the border.
As the situation continues to evolve, Poland is considering all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its territory and citizens. The possibility of a full closure of the border with Belarus remains on the table as Poland contends with the alleged threat posed by the Wagner Group PMC.
Source link
