In response to escalating tensions with its Russian ally, Poland is set to deploy an extra 2,000 troops along its border with Belarus, according to a statement by Deputy Interior Minister Maciej

Wąsik on Wednesday. This decision comes after border guards initially requested 1,000 additional soldiers to counter illegal migration through Belarus.

Wąsik announced that the reinforcement would now be twice the originally proposed number, following a decision made by Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak. Concerns over the border area have grown as hundreds of battle-hardened Wagner mercenaries arrived in Belarus, invited by President Alexander Lukashenko. Belarus recently initiated military exercises near the border, and Poland has experienced a surge in migrants, mainly from the Middle East and Africa, attempting to cross into the country.

Wąsik attributed all unauthorized attempts to enter Poland to Belarusian authorities' organization. He pointed out that genuine border guards, not smuggling networks, would prevent such crossings.

Last week, Poland also dispatched additional troops and combat helicopters to the Belarusian border after two Belarusian helicopters breached Polish airspace during an air exercise. Furthermore, Polish and Lithuanian interior ministers discussed potential border closures with Belarus due to emerging threats and potential provocations.

In the realm of international relations, Polish Defense Minister engaged in discussions with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding Poland's security and NATO's eastern flank. The Polish Deputy Foreign Minister, Paweł Jabłoński, revealed that Wagner Group soldiers attempted to infiltrate Polish territory, emphasizing the real threat posed by Belarus. The Polish government is evaluating the possibility of closing the border with Belarus in response to this threat. Photo by. Grzegorz W. Tężycki, Wikimedia commons.