Tensions continue to rise on Poland’s Eastern border. In an interview given to the radio station RMF FM, Jakub Kumoch, Head of the International Policy Bureau of the Polish President, warned that Belarus is “testing the defence capability of the Polish border on behalf of Russia.” 

“There has been an ongoing war on our Eastern border since 2014 because the Russian aggression on Ukraine never really ended. And there is a risk of escalation. Russia does everything in order to escalate the situation. (…) This is not the first time (…) As someone once put it, Russia creates problems in order to participate in their resolution. Of course, on its own terms,” Mr Kumoch explained. 

He described the actions undertaken by Belarus under Russia’s supervision as “the cheetah rule” characterized by the fact that the predator attacks only the prey which is defending itself rather than the passive one. 

“There is a question that arises. Why is the Polish border under the highest pressure right now? Lithuania has à longer border [with Belarus] yet we are confronted with the most severe attacks. Our theory is that Belarus, backed by Russia, uses this cheetah method and is testing our ability to defend our border,” he stated. 

He continued by stating that Russia “is mobilizing its armies near the border of Ukraine and moving it very quickly„. He also expressed his gratitude to the United States “for monitoring the situation and providing information on Russia’s actions.”

He further praised the visit to Poland of Avril Haines, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (which is the highest position in the US intelligence structure).

“She [Avril Haines] came [to Poland] for a very serious matter (…) We are very grateful to the Americans for the information we receive from them although we cannot share everything,” he explained.

Mrs Haines met among others with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the coordinator of special services Mariusz Kamiński and the Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak in order to elaborate appropriate steps to be taken in the midst of what the Polish Prime Minister described on the 9th of November as “the greatest provocation in recent years”.

Source: Polskie Radio

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen

Photos: Twitter @Straz_Graniczna & screenshot YouTube RMF24