Poland to Deploy Approximately 10,000 Troops to Belarus Border

Amid growing concerns about the presence of Wagner forces in the region, Poland is making preparations to deploy approximately 10,000 troops to its eastern border with Belarus. The Wagner troops, affiliated with Russia and stationed in Belarus, were reportedly involved in a brief rebellion. Poland’s Defense Minister, Mariusz Blaszczak, revealed that out of the total troop count, 4,000 soldiers will directly support border guards, while the remaining 6,000 will be in reserve.

Blaszczak cited alleged instances of Polish airspace violations by Belarusian military aircraft as a justification for the deployment. Belarus dismissed these accusations, labeling them as unfounded. Blaszczak emphasized the significance of such airspace violations and termed them a provocative act.

Blaszczak further asserted that events in Belarus are closely coordinated with Russia’s actions. Additionally, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed plans to bolster Russian forces along its western borders, attributing the decision to increased militarization in Poland.

Poland has recently raised concerns about Wagner forces within Belarus. Notably, heightened activity has been observed in the Suwalki gap, a narrow land strip between Poland and Lithuania. Wagner forces appear to be moving in that direction, possibly to exert pressure on NATO and EU member states. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki even warned about the possibility of Wagner fighters disguising themselves as migrants to cross the border.

Lithuania, another neighboring country of Belarus, has also fortified its borders, citing the threat posed by Wagner fighters.

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