CaliToday (23/9/2025): Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday that the border crossings between Poland and Belarus, which were closed earlier this month, will be reopened at midnight between Wednesday and Thursday.
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| Poland is ready to react to attacks, provocations, says PM Tusk |
The decision to restore traffic comes after the conclusion of large-scale, Russian-led military exercises in Belarus that had significantly heightened security concerns in Warsaw.
Poland, a key member of both the European Union and NATO, took the decisive step of shutting its eastern border in response to the "Zapad" (West) military drills. These long-standing fears were sharply amplified when approximately 21 Russian drones violated the country's airspace on the night of September 9-10, an incursion that was seen as a direct provocation.
In a statement to his government, Prime Minister Tusk explained the rationale for lifting the restrictions, balancing security imperatives with economic realities.
"The conclusion of these exercises reduces although I cannot say it eliminates various threats," Tusk stated. "Taking into account the economic interests of Polish transport carriers and railways, we have concluded that this measure [the border closure] has served its purpose."
However, the Prime Minister made it clear that Warsaw remains vigilant and prepared to act again if necessary.
"If tensions escalate, we will not hesitate and will make the appropriate decisions," he added.
The temporary closure had a significant impact on trade and transport, as the Poland-Belarus border is a major route for goods traveling between the European Union and countries to the east. The decision to reopen was heavily influenced by the economic pressures faced by Polish trucking and rail companies that rely on this corridor.
The Zapad exercises, held periodically by Russia and Belarus, are closely monitored by NATO allies, who view them as a potential cover for aggressive posturing or destabilizing actions along the Alliance's eastern flank. The drone incursion this month was a stark reminder of the potential for miscalculation or deliberate provocation, prompting a swift and firm response from the Polish government to secure its borders during the high-risk period.
