Poland to Fully Close Border with Belarus

Photo: lrt.lt

Poland will completely close its border with Belarus on September 12 due to the joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises “Zapad-2025,” Reuters reports. The maneuvers have also raised concern in the Baltic states. Tensions between the countries have been escalating since February 2022.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that exercises near the border in Belarus would begin on Friday, describing them as “highly aggressive in terms of military doctrine.” The “Zapad-2025” drills include scenarios involving the potential use of nuclear weapons and Russia’s new “Oreshek” medium-range hypersonic missile. For national security, Poland will shut down all crossing points, including rail. Many checkpoints were already closed, leaving only two open until now.

The Polish Ministry of Defence noted that since September 1 NATO allies have also been conducting “Iron Defender-25” exercises across land, air, sea, and cyberspace, involving around 30,000 troops and 600 pieces of equipment. Command and staff operations include participation by the U.S. Army’s V Corps.

Drills are taking place in Orzysz, Nowa Dęba, Ustka, and beyond. Authorities emphasized that their aim is to test joint combat readiness and integrate all branches of the armed forces for regional defense. Poland’s army was called a key element of security in Central and Eastern Europe.

In Lithuania, a two-month cycle of “Thunder Strike” maneuvers began in early autumn with 17,000 local and allied personnel, LRT reports. These drills involve all levels — from the armed forces headquarters to local administrations — to test crisis-response capacity.

Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński explained the border would reopen only once the threat to citizens subsides. Lithuanian authorities pledged to strengthen border security in response to the Russian-Belarusian drills.

Meanwhile, in Belarus, a Polish citizen was arrested on espionage charges, allegedly found with documents linked to “Zapad” exercises. AP News reports the suspect is a 27-year-old monk who could face up to 15 years in prison. Belarus, closely allied with Russia, allowed its territory to be used for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and now hosts Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

Poland has also arrested a Belarusian spy, according to Tusk, who said a diplomat supporting “aggressive actions of the Belarusian state against Poland” would be expelled. The arrest was the result of cooperation with Czechia and Romania.

Previously, Poland canceled its simplified humanitarian visa scheme for Belarusians, which had existed since 2020. The Business Harbour program that facilitated relocation of thousands of IT workers and entrepreneurs was also suspended, amid concerns of misuse and national security threats.

Military drills risk further aggravating an already tense situation on NATO’s eastern flank. Since 2022, Poland and the Baltic states have taken the toughest line against Russia, increasingly extending this stance to Belarus — not only toward its leadership but also through restrictions affecting ordinary citizens abroad.