„We have started a preventive expansion of security measures on the border with Russia and Belarus” – wrote on Twitter Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister, and head of the Ministry of National Defense.
„This is part of our defence and deterrence strategy. The first fortifications are already being deployed on the border with the Kaliningrad Oblast.” – he added.
Rozpoczęliśmy prewencyjną rozbudowę zabezpieczeń na granicy z Rosją i Białorusią. To element naszej strategii obrony i odstraszania. Pierwsze umocnienia są już rozmieszczane na granicy z Obwodem Kaliningradzkim. pic.twitter.com/HODJlCgnvi
— Mariusz Błaszczak (@mblaszczak) February 23, 2023
The General Command of the Armed Forces Branches posted photos of the built fortifications: „The Polish Army is carrying out engineering expansion of designated areas on the border with Russia and Belarus in order to ensure Poland’s security”. It was assured that the construction of fortifications does not involve closing functioning border crossings.
#WojskoPolskie prowadzi rozbudowę inżynieryjną wyznaczonych rejonów na granicy z Rosją i Białorusią służącą zapewnieniu bezpieczeństwa Polski.
✅ Nie zamykamy funkcjonujących przejść granicznych. pic.twitter.com/fN1cKd1U7a
— Dowództwo Generalne (@DGeneralneRSZ) February 23, 2023
Since the beginning of November last year, the army has placed a temporary barrier made of concertina wire on the Polish-Russian border. The structure was created at the request of the border guard. Also, Lieutenant of the Border Guard Anna Michalska informed that constructing an electronic barrier on the border with the Kaliningrad Oblast should begin in March.
At the beginning of February, the Ministry of the Interior and Administration announced that due to „an important state interest”, traffic at the Polish-Belarusian crossing in Bobrowniki was suspended until further notice. In response, Minsk introduced restrictions on Polish carriers. Therefore, Minister Mariusz Kamiński decided to limit Belarusians at the Kukuryki- Kozłowicze crossing.
At the end of last year, the installation of high-tech monitoring equipment also began at the border.
Author: Patrycja Bodzek-Kurzyńska
Photo: Twitter @mblaszczak
